MBIIABT 


ivtmiy^  0f  ^alifjiiuia. 


No 

Division 
Range 

Shelf. 

Received 


fj^ 


^yf. 


fjALEANCROFTgrC"  » 


V.'       ' 


I 


PS 

''.-' 

,?^^. 

v?::^. 

;-"«>  ■.•-  .-T 


>A''  .' 


>) 


'^y  r::yu^M^Yuuy' 


A  MEMOIR 


,     itEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND,  A.M. 


AUTHOR  OP   THE 


DAIRYMAN'S  DAUGHTER,  YOUNG  COTTAGER,  &c. 


BT    THE 

REV.  T.  S.  GRIMSHAWE,  A.  M. 

:<ECTOft  or  BUKTON-LATIMER,  NORTHAMFTUNSHIRE  ;    AND  VICAR  OF  BIDDENHAM, 
BEDFORDSHIRE. 


ABIUDGED 

BY  THE  REV.  WILLIAM  PATTOJ 


Q 


rUBLISHED  BY  J.  LEAVITT,  182  BROADWA^. 

BOSTON \ 
Cmocebr  &  Brkwstkr,  47  Washinotoii  Street. 

1829. 


3  XT. 


Southern  District  of  J/eio  York^  ss. 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  tho  twenty-seventh 
ilay  of  December,  A.  D.  1828,  in  the  fifty-third  year  of  the  In- 
dependence of  the  United  States  of  America,  Jonathan  Leavitt,  of 
the  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a  Book, 
the  ri<i;ht  whereof  he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  A  Memoir  of  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond,  A.  M.,  author  of  the 
Dairyman's  Daughter,  Young  Cottager,  &c.  By  the  Rev.  T. 
S.  Grimshawe,  A.  M  ,  Rector  of  Burton-Latimer,  Northampton- 
shire ;  and  Vicar  of  Biddenham,  Bedfordshire.  Abridged  by  the 
Rev.  William  Patton,  A.  M.'' 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  Congress  of  the  United  Statfes,  enti- 
tled *'  An  Act  lor  the  encouraj^ement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  of  Maps  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors 
of  such  copies,  during  the  time  therein  mentioned."  And  also  to 
an  Act,  entitled  "  an  Act,  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled  an  Act 
for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps, 
Charts,  and  Botiks,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies, 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and  extending  the  benefits 
thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical 
and  other  prints." 

FRED.  J.  BETTS, 
Chrk  of  the  Southern  District  of  JVeio  York. 


Vandcrpool  &  Cole,  Printer«. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


lis  our  religious  and  intelligent  community,  there  must  be 
a  very  general  curiosity  to  become  intimately  acquainted 
with  one,  whose  writings  have  been  read  with  so  much  de- 
light and  profit,  as  those  of  Legu  Richmond.  The  Editor 
of  the  following  pages,  has  therefore  Avished  to  aftbrd 
American  readers  a  full  view  of  his  character  and  senti- 
ments, and  of  the  most  important  incidents  of  his  life.  Still 
it  has  seemed  proper  to  omit  some  paragraphs  and  sen- 
tences of  a  local  nature  and  some  observations  and  reflec- 
tions of  the  original  Compiler,  which  might  be  interesting 
and  useful  in  England,  but  not  so  muph  so  in  this  country. 
The  omission  of  those,  and  of  large  extracts  from  the 
Diaryman's  Daughter,  and  other  writinirs  already  in  exten- 
sive circulation,  has  much  reduced  the  price  of  the  volume, 
nd  thus,  it  may  be  hoped,  will  greatly  extend  its  usefulness. 
In  making  these  omissions,  the  Editor  has  not  relied  solely 
onhiaown  judgment,  but  his  been  privileged  with  the  advice 
and  cordial  approbation  of  two  of  his  mmisterial  brethren 
of  this  city,  of  the  same  Christian  denomination  of  which 
Lcgh  Richmond  was  so  distinguished  pn  ornament.  Thus 
abridged,  thc.book  is  now  affectionalely  commended  to  the 
intelligent  and  good  of  every  name. 

W.  P. 
Veip  York,  Dec,  i2,  1828. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAP.  I. 

Birth  of  Legh  Richmond — His  ancestry;  education; 
and  incidents  of  early  years — Promise  of  talent — 
Completion  of  his  education  at  School.      ...  1 

CHAP.  n. 

Comprising  the  period  from  his  entrance  at  the  Uni- 
versity, till  his  mitrriagpj  and  acceptance  of  the  cu- 
racy  of  Eroding  in  the  Isle  of  Wight.      ...  C 

CHAP.  HI. 

IFis  entrance  on  his  professional  duties — Remarkable 
change  in  his  views  and  conduct  and  the  incident 
tJiat  occasioned  it — Reflections  on  the  foregoing 
event 15 

CHAP.  IV. 

Der elopement  of  his  character — Dedication  of  his  time 
and  thoughts  to  profitable  objects —  Fondness  for  the 
scenes  of  nature — Spiritual  reflections  upon  them — 
Zeal  in  his  ministerial  duties — Extracts  from  Let- 
ters and  Diary — Remarks  on  the  foregoing — 
Voetry 20 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAP.  V. 
rr*  Page- 

His  removal  from  the  Isle  of  Wight — Temporary 
connexion  with  the  Lock  Hospital,  in  London,  and 
final  settlement  at  Turvey 4(» 

CHAP.  VI. 

Commencement  of  his  minisferial  labours  at  Turvey — 
JFormer  state  of  the  parish — Plans  and  exertions  for 
its  improvement — Judicious  rules  and  regulations 
of  his  Friendly  Society — E,ifecis  of  his  exertions 
— His  Fathers  of  the  English  Church'' — Doctrine 
and  mode  of  preaching — Brief  reflections  on 
controversy .         54 

CHAP.  vn. 

His  lalent  for  extempore  preaching — Family  letters-^ 
Commencement  of  the  editor" s  acquaintance  ivith  him 
— Public  Societies 80 


CHAP.  vni. 

Review  of  his  anniversary  sermon  for  the  Church 
Missionary  Society — Meeting  at  Bedford,  in  behalf 
of  the  Jews — Bedfordshire  Bible  Society — Tours 
for  the  Jewish  and  Church  Missionary  Societies — 
Extracts  fiom  his  Journal 103 

CHAP.  IX. 

Extracts  from  his  Journal — Success  of  these  tours — 
Effect  on  the  interests  of  religion — His  own  improve- 
ment—  That  of  his  parish  and  family.      .     .     .       133 


r 


CONTENTS.  VII 

CHAP.  X. 

Page. 
Vuhlicaiion  of  his  tracts — Kecieio  of  them — Their 
great  popularity  and  extensive  circvhition,  ^c. — 
Americaa  editions — Remarks  on  the  subject — Mr. 
Richmond's  connexion  with  the  Tract  Society.  1 64 

CHAP.  XI. 

Made  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Kent — Mrs.  Richmond- s 
illness — Neic  school  room — Restart  of  his  son's 
death — Embarrassment  on  account  of  '  the  F  thers 
of  the  English  Church' — Interview  with  the  Empe- 
ror of  Russia — Letters  to  and  from  his  Imperial 
Majesty — Princess  Metstchersky — Letters  to  Mrs. 
Livius —  Verses  written  on  the  marriage  of  a  friend's 
daughter 174 

CHAP.  xn. 

Letters — Poetry — Description  of  lake  scenery — Brief 
account  of  his  tour  in  Scotland — His  sentiments  on 
Oratorios 200 

CHAP.  xm. 

Tribute  to  the  memory  of  his  mother 216 

CHAP.  XIV. 

Ijetter  and  copy  of  verses — Extracts  from  Diary — 
Tours  to  Scotland — lona — Letters  ;  friendly ^  fami- 
ly ^  and  pastoral — Memoir  of  Miss  Sinclair.  248 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 


CHAP.  XV. 

Page. 
Death  of  his  infant — Marriage  of  his  eldest  daughter 
—  Visit  to  the  North  of  Ireland — Texts  on  the  walls 
of  his  church — Extract  of  a  letter  to  his  daughter 
F. — Isle  of  Wight  tour — Pastoral  letter — Jour- 
nal— His  son  Wilherforce'' s  illness,  and  death — 
Marriage  of  his  daughter  H. — Nugent' s  shipwreck 
and  death — Apocryphal  question — Mr.  Richmond's 
opinion  on  the  mode  of  preaching  to  the  Jews — 
Journey  to  Cromer — Conversation  with  the  editor — 
Meditation  in  his  study 275 

CHAP.  XVI. 

Closing  scene — Funeral — Remarks  on  his  character 
— Conclusion.     .     .  ■ 321 


HEI^OIRS. 


— »^'^KVv— 


CHAPTER  I. 


Birth  of  Legk  Richmond — Aw  ancestry ;  edtication ;  and 
incidents  of  early  years — Promise  of  talent — Completion 
of  his  education  at  school. 

The  Rev.  Legh  Richsiond  was  descended  from  an  an- 
cestry highly  respectable  on  the  side  of  both  his  parents, 
«;ach  of  whom  was  related  to  some  of  the  principal  families 
in  the  counties  of  Lancaster  and  Chester.  He  was  the  son 
of  Henry  Richmond  Esq.,  M.  D.,  who  practised  as  a  phy- 
sician, first  at  Liverpool,  and  afterward  at  Bath,  where  he 
resided  for  several  years  previously  to  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred at  Stockport,  in  Cheshire,  in  the  year  1806  ;  of 
which  place  his  father,  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond,  had  been 
rector. 

Dr.  Henry  Richmond,  was  the  fifth  in  lineal  male  descent 
from  Oliver  Richmond  Esq.,  of  Ashton  Keynes,  in  tiie 
county  of  Wilts,  on  which  estate  his  ancestors  had  resided 
from  the  time  of  the  Conquest. 

The  mother  of  Mr.  Richmond,  was  the  daughter  of  John 
Atherton  Esq.,  of  Walton  Hall,  near  Liverpool,  and  by  the 
maternal  side  first  cousin  to  Dr.  Henry  Richmond. 
2 


2  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

As  some  additional  particulars  of  the  family  appear  i/i 
the  progress  of  this  work,  recorded  by  his  own  pen,  any 
farther  statement  in  this  place  is  superfluous. 

Mr.  Richmond  was  born  at  Liverpool,  on  January  29th, 
1 772.  It  was  his  privilege  to  have  a  most  estimable  mo- 
ther, endued  with  a  superior  understanding,  which  had  been 
cultivated  and  improved  by  an  excellent  education  and  sub- 
sequent reading.  In  addition  to  her  natural  talents  and 
acquirements,  she  was  piously  disposed. 

This  affectionate  and  conscientious  parent  anxiously  in- 
structed him,  from  his  infancy,  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
in  the  principles  of  true  religion,  according  to  the  best  of 
her  ability ;  a  debt,  which  was  subsequently  well  repaid  by 
her  son,  who  became  the  happy  and  honoured  instrument 
of  imparting  to  his  beloved  mother  clearer  and  more  en- 
larged views  of  divine  truth  than  were  generally  prevalent 
during  the  last  generation.  It  seems  highly  probable  that 
the  seeds  of  piety  were  then  sown,  which  in  a  future  period, 
and  under  circumstances  of  a  providential  nature,  were 
destined  to  produce  a  rich  and  abundant  harvest.* 

It  was  in  the  period  of  his  childhood,  that  the  accident 
occurred  which  occasioned  the  lameness  to  which  he  was 
subject  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  In  leaping  over  a 
wall,  he  fell  with  violence  to  the  ground,  and  injured  the 
left  leg,  so  as  to  contract  its  growth,  and  afterward  to  im- 
pair its  use.  It  is  a  remarkable  coincidence,  that  some- 
what of  a  similar  occurrence  befel  one  of  his  own  sons,  and 
was  attended  with  precisely  the  same  effects.     It  was  in 

*  "  Could  we  without  sacrilege  enter  the  sanctuary  of  a  mother's 
bosom,  we  might  whisper  a  tale  that  would  account  for  the  distin- 
guished usefulness  with  which  God  has  condescended  to  favour 
some  of  the  best  of  men.  Many  a  godly  mother  can  say— I  have 
had  peculiar  solicitudes  respecting  this  child.  Even  before  its  birth, 
I  dedicated  it  to  the  Lord  ;  and  then  engaged  that  it  should  be  un- 
reservedly devoted  to  his  glory.  And  when  the  little  immortal  was 
committed  to  my  arms,  with  many  prayers  and  tears  did  I  renew 
my  engagements,  till  it  was  strongly  impressed  on  my  mind,  that 
God  had  heard  my  cry  and  accepted  my  offering.— Spring'*  Life  of 
S.  Y.  Mills.  A.  E. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  6 

consequence  of  this  accident,  that  Mr.  Richmond  received 
the  rudiments  of  his  early  education  under  the  sole  tuition 
of  his  father,  who  was  an  excellent  classical  scholar,  and 
well  acquainted  with  literature  in  general. 

In  addition  to  his  proficiency  in  classical  and  other  ele- 
mentary studies,  he  made  considerable  progress,  during 
this  period,  in  the  science  of  music ;  a  predilection  for 
which,  he  retained  to  the  end  of  his  life. 

The  activity  of  his  mind  soon  began  to  develope  itself 
Some  specimens  of  the  productions  of  his  early  years  have 
been  preserved,  by  the  partiality  of  his  friends  ;  and  as 
youthful  talent  generally  delights  to  assume  a  poetical  form, 
his  first  efforts  were  devoted  to  the  Muses. 

The  following  parody  on  "  Hamlet's  Sohloquy"  is  one  of 
the  earliest  of  his  juvenile  compositions.  It  was  written 
when  he  was  only  eleven  years  of  age.  The  occasion  of 
its  production  was  the  general  habit  which  then  prevailed 
of  wearing  hair  powder. 

"  To  be,  or  not  to  be  in  powder  ? — This  is  the  question  : — 
Whether  'tis  nobler  in  the  mind  to  bear 
The  plagues  and  torments  of  a  powdered  head, 
Or  to  take  arms  ag^inut  a  round  of  fashion!<, 
And  by  opposing,  end  them  ? — To  pomatum — to  daub — 
No  more  ; — and,  by  a  daub,  to  say, 
We  end  the  bickerings  and  chntterings 
Of  a  trifling  world  : — 'tis  a  consummation 
Devoutly  to  be  wished  for. — To  powder — to  pomatum — 
Perchance  to  spoil  my  hair : — aye,  there'*  the  rub  ; 
For  in  that  woful  ruin  of  my  hair 
What  dreadful  consequences  may  ensue  ! 
Yet,  who  can  bear  the  whips  and  scorns  of  fashion  ! 
I'd  spend  my  days  beneath  a  barber's  hands. 
And  breathe  within  a  shower  of  falling  powder  ; 
But  that  the  dread  of  something  greater  still — 
The  certain  ruin  of  my  auburn  hair, 
Puzzles  the  will,  and  racks  the  tortured  brain — 
Ob,  dreadful  thought !     It  smks  the  rising  courage, 
And  of  my  pride  the  current  turns  away. 
Powder — pomatum— barbers — all,  adieu  I'' 


4  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Lines  written  about  the  same  period  : 

"  Before  the  earth  and  sea  to  man  were  given, 
Or  stars  were  spotted  o'er  the  crystal  heaven  ; 
The  laoe  of  Nature  was  throughout  the  same — 
A  rugged  heap,  and  Chaos  was  its  name  ; 
Nor  any  thing,  but  piled  up  heaps  were  there, 
And  earth  and  sea  were  mixed  with  fire  and  air  : 
No  radiant  sun  by  day  afforded  light, 
Nor  wanitig  Phoebe  shone  in  midst  of  night ; 
Nor  the  earth  self-poised  in  fluid  air  was  placed. 
Or  sea,  with  circling  arms,  the  earth  embraced.'* 

The  next  specimen  of  versification,  was  written  at  the 
age  oi  twelve. 

ON  THE  MORNING. 

•'  Behold,  the  earth  is  clad  in  sober  gray. 
And  twinkling  stars  foretell  the  approach  of  day. 
The  hare  runs  timid  o'er  the  bladed  grass. 
And  early  shepherds  on  the  meadows  pass. 
In  splendid  majesty  the  morning  star 
Welcomes  Aurora,  in  her  rosy. car. 
The  lark,  the  early  herald  of  the  morn. 
Whose  tender  sides  soft  gentle  plumes  adorn, 
Flies  from  her  nest  above  all  human  sight. 
And  to  the  skies  sublime  she  bends  her  flight. 
Her  pleasing  n(»tes  the  ambient  hills  repeat. 
And  day  o'er  half  the  world  resumes  its  seat ; 
The  splendent  sun's  ethereal  light  appears. 
And  Nature  wipes  away  her  dewy  tears.—" 

The  following  lines  in  imitation  of  Pope,  may  be  consi- 
dered as  no  unsuccessful  illustration  of  the  poet's  rule  : 

♦  'Tis  not  enough,  no  harshness  gives  ofience, 
The  sound  should  seem  an  echo  to  the  sense.' — 

"  The  line  should  soften  when  the  bleat  of  sheep, 
And  gentle  zephyrs  sooth  to  placid  sleep  ; 
When  dm  of  ratthna:  thunderbolts  is  heard, 
The  roughest  words  to  softer  are  preferred. 
When  purling  rivulets  translucent  glide. 
The  liquid  letters  then  should  form  a  tide. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  i> 

Within  a  labyrinth,  the  line  seems  vest, 

Mazy,  inextricable,  aud  perplext. 

13 ut  when  the  rougher  storms  fierce  rage  on  high, 

And  heave  the  angry  billows  to  the  tky ; 

When  rattling  rain  comes  hissing  down  in  showers, 

And  to  the  whirlpool  in  a  torrent  pours  ; 

'i'he  line  should  rage,  and  every  letter  more, 

As  if  great  Jove  was  storming  from  above." 

In  the  year  1784,  when  Mr.  Richmond  was  twelve  years 
of  age,  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Breach,  of 
Reading,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  further  assistance  on 
account  of  his  lameness,  as  well  as  to  pursue  the  course  of 
his  education. 

Mr.  Richmond  was  subsequently  removed  to  Blandford, 
in  Dorsetshire,  under  the  care  and  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Jones,  vicar  of  Loders  and  curate  of  Blandford  ;  and  ha- 
\  ing  made  a  very  creditable  proficiency  in  his  studies,  and 
completed  his  education  at  school,  he  was  finally  sent,  in  the 
year  1789,  being  then  seventeen  years  of  age,  to  the  univer- 
sjtv  of  Cambridire. 


2* 


MEMOIRS  OF  THK 


CHAPTER  II. 

Comprising  tlie  'period  from  his  entrance  at  the  Vniversityr 
till  his  marriage  and  acceptance  of  the  curacy  of  Brad- 
ing  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 

Mr.  Richmond  was  entered  at  Trinity  College, 
Cambridge,  in  the  month  of  August  1789.  The  follow- 
ing particulars  have  been  communicated  in  a  letter  from 
the  Reverend  A.  J.  Crespin,  vicar  of  Renhold,  Bedford- 
shire, a  cotemporary  of  his  in  the  University,  and  with 
whom  he  formed  an  intimate  friendship,  which  continued 
to  the  period  of  his  death. 

**I  perfectly  well  remember,  that  our  dear  departed 
friend  came  to  Cambridge  for  admission  about  Midsummer, 
in  the  year  1789.  I  was  just  one  year  his  senior.  It  was 
then  the  custom  at  Trinity  College,  that  one  of  the  under 
graduates  should  take  the  candidate  for  admission  to  the 
dean,  and  to  one  or  two  others,  and  then  to  the  master,  for 
examination  It  fell  to  my  lot  to  perform  this  office  for 
Legh  Richmond,  and  thus  our  friendship  commenced. 
He  came  into  residence,  according  to  the  usual  plan,  in 
the  following  October ;  we  were  both  among  the  candi- 
dates for  foundation  scholarships,  and  after  a  public  ex- 
amination of  two  or  three  days,  we  were  happy  on  finding 
our  names  among  the  successful  candidates  ;  and  as  we 
afterward  dined  every  day  at  the  same  table,  the  bands  of 
our  friendship  were  drawn  still  closer.         *         * 

"  I  can  with  perfect  truth  affirm,  that  during  the  under- 
graduateship  of  Mr.  Richmond,  he  applied  himself  closely 
to  his  studies,  and  was  considered  and  acknowledged  by  all. 
to  be  a  young  man  of  great  abilities  and  correct  conduct.*" 


REV.    LEOH    RICHMOND.  7 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  William  Tate,  Chaplain  of  the 
Dock-yard,  Portsmouth,  and  tutor  of  the  Naval  Academy, 
contains  a  further  and  more  detailed  account  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  residence  at  college. 

»'  Mr.  Richmond  and  myself  were  of  the  same  year  at 
Cambridge,  and  had  the  same  college  tutor,  the  late  Rev. 
Thomas  Jones.  We  were  not,  however,  in  the  same  lec- 
ture room  till  within  a  year  of  our  going  out  A.  B.  ;  hence, 
our  intimacy  did  not  commence  till  about  the  beginning  of 
1793.  Mr.  Richmond  came  to  college  with  a  high  cha- 
racter for  his  proficiency,  both  in  classics  and  mathematics. 
In  fact,  I  often  heard  him  spoken  of  as  likely  to  be  one  of 
the  third  or  fourth  highest  wranglers.  At  the  annual  col- 
lege examination  in  May,  he  was  each  year  in  the  first  class, 
and  consequently  was  a  prize-man.  I  do  not  recollect 
that  he  ever  was  a  candidate  for  a  University  prize  ;  indeed 
I  think  that  although  he  was  an  extremely  good  classic, 
he  did  not  consider  himself  sufficiently  practised  in  writing 
Greek  or  Latin  verse,  to  venture  a  competition  in  this 
respect  with  the  distinguished  men  from  the  great  public 
schools 

"  That  he  had  a  great  fondness  for  social  life  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at,  as  he  was  so  well  informed  on  most  sub- 
jects, and  had  such  a  fluency  of  language  that  conversa- 
tion with  him  never  flagged,  and  his  company  was  generally 
acceptable.  He  visited  at  the  Lodge,  Dr.  Postlethwaith 
being  then  master,  and  was  noticed  by  some  of  the  senior  fel- 
lows, in  consequence,  I  presume,  of  their  having  been  friends 
of  his  father,  Dr.  Richmond,  who  had  liimself  been  a  fel- 
low of  the  college,  and  whose  name  stands  in  the  Tripos  as 
having  been  the  tenth  senior  optime,  in  January  1764. 

'*  Mr.  Richmond's  great  recreation  was  music,  in  which 
1  suppose  you  are  aware  he  was  eminently  skilled.  He 
always  had  a  piano-forte  in  his  room,  and  played  on  the 
organ  also.  To  any  tune  he  could,  as  he  played,  make  an 
♦extempore  thorough  bass.  His  musical  talents  gave  rise 
to  a  great  intimacy  and  friendship  with  the  late  Dr.  Hague, 
the  professor  of  music,  and  also  with  Dr.  Jowett,  then  tutor 


8  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

of  Trinity  Hall,  who  used  to  have  frequent  musical  parties 
at  his  apartments,  at  which  I  believe  Mr.  Richmond  was 
generally  present.  He  was  at  all  times  attentive  to  the 
studies  of  the  University,  and  preserved,  throughout,  the 
character  of  a  reading  man.  Mr.  Copley  (now  the  Lord 
Chancellor)  had  apartments  directly  under  those  of  Mr. 
Richmond,  and  as  they  were  both  reading  hard,  they  com- 
monly, for  some  months  before  taking  the  degree  of  A.  B. 
had  coffee  together  after  midnight.  He  went  through  the 
public  exercises  of  the  schools,  preparatory  to  his  degree, 
with  great  credit  and  he  was  accordingly  placed  by  the 
moderator  in  the  first  class.  He  did  not  however,  go  into 
the  senate-house  to  stand  the  final  examination,  owing  to 
ill  health. 

Mr.  Richmond  for  some  years  was  collecting  materials 
for  a  great  work,  which  he  intended  to  publish.  On  the 
theory  as  well  ^s  history  of  music.  After  taking  his  de- 
gree, he  applied  himself  with  great  ardour  to  his  favourite 
study,  and  took  much  pains  to  provide  materials  for  his  in- 
tended musical  publication,  which  he  hoped  might  be  ready 
for  the  press  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  years.  I  have 
frequently  sat  with  him,  while,  for  liours  together,  he  was 
making  experiments  with  his  musical  plates,  of  which  he 
had  a  great  number  made,  some  of  glass  and  some  of  cop- 
per, of  all  the  common  regular  forms  ;  as  circles,  ellipses, 
squares,  rhombuses,  pentagons,  &c.  These  he  screwed 
down  at  a  particular  point,  so  as  to  be  perfectly  horizontal ; 
and  then,  having  sprinkled  fine  sand  over  the  surface,  the 
bow  of  a  fiddle  was  drawn  across  the  edge,  so  as  to  bring 
out  a  musical  note  ;  and,  by  the  vibration  thus  caused,  the 
sand  was  shaken  from  the  vibrating  parts,  and  became  col- 
lected in  one  line  or  more,  formed  by  the  quiescent  points. 
It  seems  very  remarkable,  that  whenever  that  particular 
note  which  was  the  fundamental  of  any  plate  was  sounded 
by  it,  the  sand  invariably  took  the  form  of  a  cross,  having 
its  centre  in  the  centre  of  the  plat€.  All  other  notes  which 
could  be  sounded  by  the  same  plate,  diverged  from  the 
fundamental  note,  according  to  a  certain  scale  :   and  everv 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  9 

one  caused  the  sand  to  take  a  different  form.  Sometimes 
it  seemed  to  take  the  figure  of  two  opposite  hyperbolas ; 
but  in  whatever  form  it  rested,  the  figures  on  the  different 
sides  of  a  straight  hne,  drawn  through  the  centre  of  the 
plate  were  exactly  the  counterparts  of  each  other.  The 
lines  formed  by  the  quiescent  points,  in  the  vibratipn  of 
such  plates,  were  calculated  by  Euler,  as  may  be  seen  by 
the  Transactions  of  the  Imperial  Society  of  Petersburgli 
(Acta  PetropoUtana ;)  but  the  results  are  little  satisfactory, 
being  commonly  expressed  in  hyperbolic  forms,  and  not 
assuming  a  tangible  shape. 

**  About  this  time  Mr.  Richmond  was  member  of  a  small 
club,  formed  by  six  or  eight  Trinity  men,  for  the  discus- 
sion of  philosophical  subjects  They  met  once  a  week,  at 
each  other's  rooms ;  and,  to  prevent  expense  in  giving 
suppers,  nothing  more  was  to  be  provided  than  red-herrings, 
bread,  cheese,  and  beer.  Hence  they  called  this  society 
the  "  Red-herring  Club."  The  respectability  of  the  mem- 
bers  appears  from  this  circumstance,  that  nearly  every  one 
obtained  a  fellowship.  Mr.  Richmond  took  a  leading 
part  at  this  time  in  another  small  society,  which  was  named 
*'  The  Harmonic  Society."  The  members  were  musical 
amateurs,  who,  in  turn,  gave  a  concert  every  fortnight,  at 
which,  with  the  help  of  two  or  three  hired  musicians,  they 
performed  pieces  out  of  Handel  and  other  celebrated  com- 
posers, together  with  catches,  glees  &C.  In  1796  was 
published,  by  Mr.  Dixon,  a  townsman  of  Cambridge,  and 
one  of  the  members  of  the  Harmonic  Society,  a  collection 
of  glees  and  rounds,  for  three,  four,  and  five  voices,  com- 
pose<l  by  the  members  of  that  society.  In  this  publication, 
out  of  seventeen  pieces,  seven  were  contributed  by  Mr. 
Richmond. 

**  In  1 796,  Mr.  Richmond  began  seriously  to  think  of 
taking  orders,  and  of  marrying  on  a  curacy.  In  that  situa- 
tion, he  intended  conscientiously  to  do  his  duty,  though  he 
had  not  the  deep  sense  he  alterward  entertained  of  the 
vast  importance  and  responsibility  of  the  charge  ho  was 
about  to  undertake." 


10  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

The  important  period  to  which  Mr.  Tate  alludes  was 
now  arrived,  when  it  became  necessary  that  he  should  no 
longer  delay  his  choice  of  a  profession, — that  choice,  which 
exercises  so  powerful  an  influence  over  all  the  events  and 
circumstances  of  future  life,  and  in  which  our  usefulness 
and  moral  responsibility  are  so  deeply  involved. 

It  was  the  wish  and  intention  of  Mr.  Richmond's  father 
that  he  should  embrace  the  profession  of  the  law,  with  the 
view  of  being  called  to  the  bar  ;  but  after  taking  his  degree, 
the  predominant  views  of  his  mind  are  thus  expressed  in 
the  following  letter  : — 

«  Cambridge,  Feb.  ISth,  1794. 

«  My  dear  Father, 

*'  It  has  long  been  my  wish  to  write  to  you  on  the 
subject  which  has  occupied  so  much  of  my  attention  of 
late  ;  and  on  which,  during  the  solemn  interval  of  my  con- 
finement, I  had  more  frequent  opportunities  of  meditating 
than  on  any  former  occasion.  I  hope  and  trust  that  f  have 
thought  more  seriously  on  this  subject,  and  have  pursued  a 
more  regular  train  of  sound  reasoning  and  self-examination 
on  account  of  my  illness,  than  if  I  had  enjoyed  an  uninter- 
rupted series  of  good  health.  The  time  is  now  arrived 
when,  after  having  passed  through  the  regular  forms  of  an 
academic  education,  it  is  expected  that  a  young  man  should 
select  his  profession  ;  and  on  the  foundation  (which  he 
either  has,  or  ought  to  have  laid  in  the  university)  of  sound 
learning  and  good  morals,  should  begin  to  raise  a  super- 
structuie  ot  such  materials  as  may  render  him  an  ornament 
to  his  profession  and  a  satisfaction  to  his  friends. 

"  I  should  here  feel  myself  guilty  of  much  ingratitude, 
or  at  least  of  much  unpardonable  neglect,  if  I  did  not,  at 
this  period  of  my  life,  return  you  my  most  sincere  and  un- 
feigned thanks  for  the  repeated  testimonies  of  affection  and 
generosity,  which  1  have  experienced  for  upwards  of  two- 
and-twenty  years  at  your  hands  :  more  especially  do  I  feel 
myself  indebted  to  you,  during  the  last  four  years,  for  pla- 
cing me  in  a  situation  in  which  I  have  enjoyed  numberles? 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  11 

iiappy  hours ;  have  fonned  friendships  and  connexions, 
which  are  a  source  of  honest  pride  and  satisfaction  ;  and 
have  had  an  opportunity  (which  I  hope  I  have  not  entirely 
thrown  away)  of  making  great  proficiency  in  such  studies 
and  acquirements,  as  must  and  will  be  the  chief  basis  of 
my  future  usefulness  and  happiness.  If  such  be  the  obli- 
gations which  I  owe  to  your  kindness,  what  must  be  my  in- 
sensibility to  every  tie  of  affection,  and  to  every  principle  of 
honourable  feeling,  were  I  deficient  in  my  expressions  of 
gratitude  to  the  benevolent  author  of  so  many  blessings. 
No,  sir,  I  am  neither  ungrateful  nor  insensible  It  has  not 
been  my  custom,  hitherto,  to  make  long  professions,  nor  to 
enter  into  a  detail  of  ray  internal  feelings  ;  and,  perhaps, 
owing  to  a  deficiency  of  this  kind,  I  may  have  suffered  in 
your  opinion,  on  some  particular  occasions,  more  than  I 
deserved.  It  now  appears,  therefore,  to  be  the  more  ad- 
visable to  unfold  myself  at  large,  observing,  at  the  same 
time,  that  the  chief  faults  and  errors  of  which  I  hitherto 
have  been,  and  of  which  I  am  still,  I  fear,  too  susceptible, 
have  not  arisen  from  any  source  of  moral  depravity,  or  in- 
nate viciousness ;  but  from  an  evil,  which  I  see  much  too 
prevalent  among  young  men,  and  from  the  contagion  of 
which  I  have  not  been  entirely  able  to  escape  ;  I  mean, 
the  want  of  resolution  to  resist  temptation,  when  it  is  op- 
posed to  their  better  convictions,  A  very  moderate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  younger  part  at  least,  of  mankind,  will 
convince  any  observer,  that  a  certain  degree  of  irresolution 
is  by  no  means  inconsistent  with  many  better  qualities,  and 
often  has  its  origin  rather  in  the  influence  of  external  exam- 
ple, than  in  any  real  viciousness  of  the  heart.  But  I  can 
truly  say  that  I  am  very  desirous  of  becoming  such  as  your 
most  sanguine  wishes  could  expect,  and  I  look  up  to  a  su- 
perior Power  for  assistance  not  to  violate  these  my  resolu- 
tions. 

"  It  appears  to  me,  that  in  reviewing  the  respective 
ir)orit3  of  the  different  professions,  and  in  determining  upon 
one  of  them,  a  very  intimate  self-examination  is  requisite, 
previous  to  the  formation  of  any  fixed  resolution.     It  has 


13  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

been  my  endeavour  for  five  months  past  to  pursue  this  diffi- 
cult undertaking  ;  and  I  hope  I  have  not  failed  in  the  at- 
tempt. The  church  and  the  law  are  the  two  subjects  to 
which  I  have  directed  my  attention.  I  have  consulted  my 
own  inclinations,  abilities,  deficiencies,  merits,  and  deme- 
rits, and  examined  them  in  as  many  points  of  view  as  I  have 
been  able^  in  order  to  determine  which  of  those  professions 
was  the  best  calculated  to  promote  my  own,  and  the  wel- 
fare of  others.  My  present  determination  is  in  favour  of 
the  former,  principally  from  the  following  considerations. 
The  sacred  profession  is  in  itself  without  doubt  the  most  res- 
pectable and  the  most  useful  in  which  any  man  of  principle 
and  education  can  possibly  be  engaged.  The  benefits 
which  it  is  the  province  of  the  clergyman  to  bestow  on  his 
fellow  creatures  are  more  widely  disseminated,  and  are  in 
themselves  more  intrinsically  valuable,  than  those  of  every 
other  profession  or  employment  united  together.  To  a 
conscientious  mind,  therefore,  that  line  of  life  appears  to 
be  the  most  eligible,  in  which  he  may  be  enabled  to  do  the 
most  solid  good  to  mankind. 

"  One  very  strong  argument  with  myself  for  preferring 
the  church  to  the  law  is,  that  I  have  found,  from  four  years' 
experience,  a  strong  inclination  to  study  several  branches 
of  literature,  which  are  far  more  connected  with  the  church 
than  with  the  law,  as  neither  their  nature  nor  the  time  re- 
quisite to  be  bestowed  upon  them  would  allow  the  lawyer 
to  exercise  himself  in  them.  What  these  are  shall  be  the 
subject  of  future  information  to  you.  At  present,  my  de- 
sire of  becoming  a  very  good  general  scholar  is  so  much 
stronger  than  that  of  becoming  an  extremely  good  par- 
ticular one,  that  I  am  convinced  I  could  not  throw  aside  the 
hopes  of  pursuing  my  favourite  views  in  that  way,  and  de- 
dicating myself  solely  to  one,  and  that  perhaps  not  the  most 
inviting,  without  the  utmost  regiet. 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 

"Legh  Richmond." 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  13 

In  these  views,  the  father  of  Mr.  Richmond  ultimately 
expressed  his  acquiescence,  though  his  own  wishes  inclined 
liim  to  recommend  the  choice  of  the  bar  ;  and  thus  was  the 
profession  of  the  church  determined  upon,  for  which  he 
afterwards  proved  to  be  so  singularly  qualified,  and  where 
his  influence  and  services  were  so  widely  felt  and  acknow- 
ledged. 

He  continued  to  reside  at  Cambridge  till  the  end  of  the 
Midsummer  term,  in  1797,  pursuing  those  studies  which 
were  more  immediately  connected  with  his  future  destina- 
tion. 

The  following  letter,  the  last  that  he  WTote  from  college 
to  his  father,  expresses  his  sentiments  more  fully  on  the 
subject  of  the  ministry,  and  his  preparation  for  those  duties, 
on  which  he  was  now  on  the  eve  of  entering.  It  is  dated 
June  30tb,  1797:— 

"  My  dear  Father, 

"  I  take  this  opportunity  of  returning  you  my  most 
hearty  and  sincere  thanks  for  all  your  kindness  to  me  du- 
ring my  stay  at  Cambridge,  for  the  last  (nearly)  eight  years. 
I  look  back  on  the  time  which  I  have  there  spent,  with  a 
considerable  mixture  of  pain  and  pleasure.  That  I  have 
done  things  which  I  ought  not  to  have  done,  and  neglected 
to  do  things  which  I  ought  to  have  done,  is  most  true  :  yet 
have  I  added  very  considerably  to  my  stock  of  literary  in- 
formation— have  gained  the  good-will  and  approbation  of 
many  respectable  and  good  men — have  made  acquaintances 
and  friends  of  several  literary  and  worthy  characters — have 
enabled  myself,  I  trust,  by  the  improvement  of  my  abilities, 
such  as  they  are,  hereafter  to  maintain  myself.  I  have  also 
had  an  opportunity  of  contemplating  men,  manners  and 
morals  to  a  very  extensive  degree  ;  and  finally,  in  an  age  of 
much  infidelity,  and  surrounded  by  many,  whose  principles 
savoured  strongly  of  irreligion,  I  have  built  up  a  fabric  of 
confidence  in,  and  love  for,  that  holy  religion  of  which  I  am 
now  a  professor.  To  this  I  ultimately  look  as  my  future 
guide  through  life,  and  hope  it  will  enable  me  to  bear  with 
3 


14 


MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


fortitude  those  evils,  which  may  be  in  store  for  me  ;  for 
who  can  expect  exemption?  In  return  for  these  advan- 
tages, I  have  only  to  offer  you  my  jriatitude,  and  my  affec- 
tion ;  and  let  what  will  herealter  become  of  me.  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  thing  human  to  les- 
sen, either  the  one  or  the  other.  I  am  now  preparing  to 
undertake  what  I  cannot  but  consider  as  a  most  serious 
and  weighty  charge — the  sole  responsibility,  as  resident 
clergyman,  of  two  parishes.  So  far  as  information  is  re- 
quired, I  hope  I  have  not  laboured  in  vain  ;  so  far  as  good 
resolution  is  concerned,  I  trust,  I  am  not  deficient  :  as  re- 
gards my  success  and  future  conduct  in  this  important  call- 
ing, I  pray  God's  assistance  lo  enable  me  to  do  my  duty, 
and  to  become  a  worthy  member  of  the  Established 
Church  ;  a  church  founded  on  the  purest  and  most  exalted 
principles  of  unsophisticated  Christianity,  as  delivered  by 
its  divine  author  himself,  and  confirmed  and  explained  by 
his  inspired  successors.  The  character  of  a  fashionable 
parson  is  my  aversion  ;  that  of  an  ignorant  or  careless  one, 
I  see  with  pity  and  contempt ;  that  of  a  dissipated  one  with 
shame  ;  and  that  of  an  unbelieving  one  with  horror.  I  am 
very  busy  preparing  sermons  for  my  future  flock.  It  re- 
quires much  practice  to  write  with  fluency  and  ease.  Be- 
lieve me  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of  regard  and  affection, 

"  Your  son, 

L.  Richmond." 
<<  To  Dr  Richmond, 
Grecian  Coffee  House,  London.^ ^ 

Mr.  Richmond  was  ordained  deacon  in  the  month  of 
June,  1797,  and  proceeded  to  the  degree  of  M.  A.,  the 
begining  of  July,  in  the  same  year.  On  the  22d  of  the 
same  month,  he  was  married  to  Mary  only  daughter  of 
James  William  Chambers,  Esq.,  of  the  city  of  Bath  ;  imme- 
diately after  which,  he  proceeded  to  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and 
entered  upon  the  curacies  of  the  adjoining  parishes  of 
Brading  and  Yaveriand,  on  the  24th  of  July.  He  was  or- 
dained priest  in  February,  1798. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  15 


CHAPTER  lie. 

llis  entrance  on  his  professional  duties — RemarJcable  cliange 
in  his  views  and  conducU  and  the  incident  that  occasioned 
it — Reflections  on  the  foregoing  event. 

Mr.  Richmond  appears  to  have  entered  on  the  ministry 
with  the  desire  and  aim  of  discharging  its  important  duties 
in  a  conscientious  and  consistent  mariner ;  and  manifested 
such  propriety  of  conduct  in  his  moral  deportment,  aud  in 
the  general  duties  of  his  new  charge,  as  to  procure  for  him 
the  character  of  a  highly  respectable  and  useful  young 
clergyman.  After  he  had  resided  at  Brading  about  two 
years,  a  most  important  revolution  took  place  in  his  views 
and  sentiments,  which  produced  a  striking  and  prominent 
change  in  the  manner  and  matter  of  his  preaching,  as  well 
as  in  the  general  tenor  and  conduct  of  his  life.  The 
change  referred  to,  was  not  a  conversion  from  immorality 
to  morality  ;  for  he  was  strictly  moral  in  the  U5ual  accep- 
tation of  the  term.  Neither  was  it  a  conversion  from  he- 
terodoxy to  orthodoxy  ;  but  it  was  a  conversicm  from  ortho- 
doxy, in  name  and  profession  to  orthodoxy,  in  its  spirit, 
tendency,  and  influence.  But  before  we  indulge  in  any 
further  remarks  it  is  necessary  to  record  the  occurrence 
to  which  we  have  alluded.  About  two  years  after  he  had 
entered  on  his  curacies,  one  of  his  college  friends  was  on 
the  eve  of  taking  holy  orders,  to  whom  a  near  relative  had 
sent  Mr.  Wilberforce's  "Practical  Christianity."  This 
thoughtless  candidate  for  the  momentous  charge  of  the 
Christian  ministry,  forwarded  the  book  to  Mr.  Richmond, 
requesting  him  to  give  it  a  perusal,  and  to  inform  him  what 
he  must  say  respecting  its  contents  In  compliance  with 
this  request,  he  began  to  read  the  book,  and  foun<l  himself 
.^  deeply  interested  in  its  contents,  that  the  volume  was 


16  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

not  laid  down  before  the  perusal  of  it  was  completed. 
The  night  was  spent  in  reading,  and  reflecting  upon  the 
important  truths  contained  in  tliis  valuable  and  impressive 
work.  In  the  course  of  his  employment,  the  soul  of  the 
reader  was  penetrated  to  its  inmost  recesses  ;  and  the  ef- 
fect produced  by  the  book  of  God,  in  innumerable  instan- 
ces, was  in  this  case  accomplished  by  means  of  a  human 
composition.  From  that  period  his  mind  received  a  pow- 
erful impulse,  and  was  no  longer  able  to  rest  under  its  for- 
mer impressions.  A  change  was  effected  in  his  views  of 
divine  truth,  as  decided  as  it  was  influential.  He  was  no 
longer  satisfied  with  the  creed  of  the  speculatist — he  felt  a 
conviction  of  his  own  state  as  a  guilty  and  condemned  sin- 
ner, and  under  that  conviction,  he  sought  mercy  at  the 
cross  of  the  Saviour.  There  arose  in  his  mind  a  solemn 
consciousness  that,  however  outwardly  moral  and  appa- 
rently irreproachable  his  conduct  might  appear  to  men  ; 
yet  within,  there  was  wanting  that  entire  surrender  of  the 
heart,  that  ascendency  of  God  in  the  soul,  and  that  devoted- 
ness  of  life  and  conduct,  which  distinguishes  morality  from 
holiness — an  assent  to  divine  truth,  from  its  cordial  recep- 
tion into  the  heart  ;  and  the  external  profession  of  religion, 
from  its  inward  and  transforming  power.  The  impressions 
awakened  were  therefore  followed  by  a  transfer  of  his  iime> 
his  talents  and  his  affections,  to  the  service  of  his  God  and 
Saviour,  and  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  flock  committed 
to  his  care.  But  while  his  mind  was  undergoing  this  in- 
wsLvd  process,  it  is  necessary  to  state  how  laborious  he  was 
in  his  search  after  truth  The  Bible  became  the  frequent 
and  earnest  subject  of  his  examination,  prayer,  and  medita- 
tion. His  object  was  fontes  haurire  sacros — to  explore 
truth  at  its  fountain  head  or,  in  tl  e  emphatic  language  of 
Scripture,  to  "  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation." — 
Isa.  xii.  3.  From  the  study  of  the  Bible,  he  proceeded  to 
a  minute  examination  of  the  writings  of  the  Reformers, 
which,  by  a  singular  coincidence,  came  into  his  pos- 
session shortly  after  this  period  ;  and  having  from  these 
various  sources  acquired  increasing  certainty  as  to  the  cor- 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND. 


17 


roclness  of  his  recent  convictions,  and  stability  in  holding 
them,  he  found  what  the  sincere,  and  conscientious  in- 
quirer will  always  find,  the  'I'ruth  ;  and  his  heart  being  in- 
terested, he  learnt  truth  through  the  heart,  and  believed 
it,  because  he  felt  it. 

His  own  account  of  the  effect  produced  on  his  mind  by 
the  perusal  of  Mr.  Wilberforce's  book,  will  excite  the  in- 
terest of  the  reader.  Speaking  of  his  son  Wilberforce,  ho 
remarks  : — 

"  He  was  baptized  by  the  name  of  Wilberforce,  in  con- 
sequence of  my  personal  friendship  with  that  individual. 
whose  name  long  has  been,  and  ever  will  be,  allied  to  all  that 
is  able,  amiable,  and  truly  Christian.  That  gentleman  had 
already  accepted  the  office  of  sponsor  to  one  of  my  daugh- 
ters ;  but  the  subsequent  birth  of  this  boy,  afforded  me  the 
additional  satisfaction  of  more  familiarly  associating  his 
name  with  that  of  my  family.  But  it  was  not  the  tie  of 
ordinary  friendship,  nor  the  veneration  which,  in  common 
with  multitudes,  I  felt  for  the  name  of  Wilberforce,  which 
induced  me  to  give  that  name  to  my  child  :  there  had.  for 
many  years  past,  subsisted  a  tie  between  myself  and  that 
much-loved  friend,  of  a  higher  and  more  sacred  character 
than  any  other  which  earth  can  afford.  I  feel  it  to  be  a 
debt  of  gratitude  which  I  owe  to  God  and  to  man,  to  take 
this  affecting  opportunity  of  stating,  that  to  the  unsought 
and  unexpected  introduction  of  Mr.  Wilberforce's  book 
on  *  Practical  Christianity'  I  owe,  through  God's  mercy, 
the  first  sacred  impression  which  I  ever  received,  as  to 
the  spiritual  nature  of  the  Gospel  system,  the  vital  cha- 
racter of  personal  religion,  the  corruption  of  the  human 
heart,  and  the  way  of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  As  u 
young  minister,  recently  ordained,  and  just  entrusted  with 
the  charge  of  two  parishes  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  I  had  com- 
menced my  labours  too  much  in  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
and  founded  my  public  instructions  on  the  erroneous  no- 
lions  which  prevailed  among  my  academical  and  literary 
associates.  The  scriptural  principles  stated  in  the  ♦  Prac- 
fical  View,'  convinced  me  of  my  error ;  led  me  to  the  study 
3* 


18  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

of  the  Scriptures  with  an  earnestness  to  which  I  had  hi- 
therto been  a  stranger  ;  humbled  my  heart,  and  brought 
me  to  seek  the  love  and  blessing  of  that  Saviour,  who  alone 
can  afford  a  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give.  Tlu*ough 
the  study  of  this  book,  I  was  induced  to  examine  the 
writings  of  the  British  and  foreign  Reformers.  I  saw  the 
coincidence  of  their  doctrines  with  those  of  the  Scriptures, 
and  those  which  the  word  of  God  taught  me  to  be  essential 
to  the  welfare  of  myself  and  my  flock.  I  know  too  well 
what  has  passed  within  my  heart,  for  now  a  long  period  of 
time  ;  not  to  feel  and  to  confess,  that  to  this  incident  I  was 
indebted,  originally,  for  those  sohd  views  ot  Christianity, 
on  which  I  rest  my  hope  for  time  and  eternity.  May  I  not, 
then,  call  the  honoured  author  of  that  book  my  spiritual 
father  ?  and  if  my  spiritual  father,  therefore  my  best  earth- 
ly friend  ?  The  wish  to  connect  his  name  with  my  own, 
was  natural  and  justifiable.  It  was  a  lasting  memorial  of 
the  most  important  transaction  of  my  life :  it  still  lives 
amidst  the  tenderness  of  present  emotions,  as  a  signal  of 
endearment  and  gratitude  ;  and  I  trust  its  character  is 
imperishable." 

Though  Mr.  Richmond's  mind  and  heart  were  experi- 
encing the  remarkable  change  that  has  been  recorded,  it 
is  necessary  to  state,  that  the  regularity  and  decorum  with 
which  he  was  previously  discharging  his  duties,  far  ex- 
ceeded those  of  many  other  ministers.  If  then,  notwith- 
standing these  exertions,  he  was  still  conscious  how  much 
he  fell  short  of  the  standard  of  ministerial  faithfulness  and 
zeal,  and  the  requirements  of  personal  holiness  :  may  we 
not  ask,  what  ought  to  be  the  convictions  of  those  who 
evince  a  far  less  degree  of  earnestness,  where  the  claims 
are  precisely  the  same,  and  the  obligations  to  fulfil  them  arc 
equally  binding  ?  If  he  felt  the  need  within,  of  a  more  ope- 
rative principle  of  divine  grace,  as  the  only  genuine  source 
of  inward  and  external  hohness  ;  what  must  be  their  state 
who,  with  greater  deficiences,  experience  no  conflict  of 
the  mind,  no  secret  misgivings  of  the  conscience  ?  If,  in 
his  ardent  inquiry  after  truth,  he  meditated  over  the  sacred 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  19 

page,  and  explored  the  voluminous  writings  of  the  Refor- 
mers ;  what  is  their  responsibility  who  rest  in  a  system, 
without  an  endeavour  to  ascertain  its  correctness  ;  who 
give  to  the  world  the  hours  sacred  to  prayer  and  study  ;  or 
who  appropriate  their  time  too  exclusively  to  objects,  which, 
however  praiseworthy  in  themselves,  are  not  sufficiently 
identified  with  their  profession,  nor  calculated  to  promote 
their  advancement  in  grace  and  holiness  ? 

The  principal  error  in  Mr.  Richmond's  former  views, 
consisted  in  this,  viz.,  that  they  were  deficient  in  the  grand 
characteristic  features  of  the  Gospel.  Not  that  he  disbeheved 
a  single  doctrine  which  the  Gospel  inculcates  ;  but  his  con- 
ceptions were  far  from  being  definite,  clear,  and  compre- 
hensive. They  wanted  the  elevation  and  spirituality  of  the 
Christian  system.  They  were  founded  more  on  the  stand- 
ard of  morality,  than  on  that  of  the  Gospel ;  and  therefore 
were  defective  as  it  respects  the  motive  and  end  of  all  hu- 
man actions,  the  two  essential  properties  that  constitute  an 
action  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  a  holy  God.  A  Heathen 
may  be  moral,  a  Christian  must  be  more  ;  for  though  true 
religion  will  always  comprise  morality,  yet  morality  may 
exist  without  religion.  There  was  a  confusion  also  in  his 
notion  of  faith  and  works,  and  of  the  respective  offices  and 
design  of  the  law  and  of  the  Gospel.  The  Saviour  was 
not  sufficiently  exalted,  nor  the  sinner  humbled  ;  and  there 
was  wanting  the  baptism  of  <*  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  fire."" 
— Matt.  iii.  11.  His  sermons,  partaking  of  course  of  the 
same  character,  were  distinguished  indeed  by  solidity  of 
remarks,  force  of  expression,  strong  appeals  to  the  con- 
science, and  a  real  and  commendable  zeal  for  the  interests 
of  morality  ;  but  they  went  no  further.  As  regarded  the 
great  end  of  the  Christian  ministry — the  conversion  of  im- 
mortal souls — they  were  powerless  ;  for  moral  sermons  can 
produce  nothing  but  moral  effects  ;  and  it  is  the  Gospel 
alone  that  is  "  mighty  through  God  to  tJic  pulling  dotim  of 
the  strong  holds  of  sin ;  and  bringing  into  captivity  every 
thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ. ''-^2  Cor.  x.  4,  6. 


•20  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Vevelopement  of  Ids  character — Dedication  of  his  time  and 
thoughts  to  profitable  objects — Fondness  fior  the  scenes 
of  Nature —  Spiritual  refections  upon  them — Zeal  in  his 
ministerial  duties — Extracts  from  Letters  and  Diary — 
Remarks  on  the  foregoing — Poetry. 

In/ the  preceding  chapter,  we  have  recorded  the  re- 
markable change  of  which  Mr  Richmond  was  the  subject. 
We  shaV.  now  proceed  to  illustrate  it  by  its  effects,  which 
form  the  best  evidence  of  its  existence,  and  one  of  the 
strongest  arguments  for  its  necessity.  With  this  view,  we 
shall  consider  its  operation  and  influence  on  the  qualities 
of  his  mind  and  heart — his  ministerial  habits — his  episto- 
lary correspondence — and  the  more  solemn  and  impressive 
exposure  of  the  inward  recesses  of  his  soul. 

In  our  intercourse  with  men,  we  meet  with  an  almost 
endless  diversity  of  character  ;  and  he  who  studies  human 
nature,  is  apt  to  classify  those  who  are  the  subjects  of  his 
contemplation,  according  to  their  respective  shades  and 
gradations.  But  how  painful  is  the  discovery,  when  we 
see  persons  endowed  with  the  finer  qualifications  of  the 
mind,  and  the  interesting  sensibihties  of  the  heart,  wasting. 
on  unprofitable  objects,  the  powers  which,  rightly  directed, 
might  render  their  possessor  the  instrument  of  extensive 
usefulness  and  good.  We  cannot  help  feeling,  that  there- 
is  wanting  the  heavenly  spark  to  kindle  the  holy  flame 
within.  We  seem  to  behold  a  beautiful  and  imposing 
structure,  but  it  is  not  occupied  by  the  rightful  owner. 
The  Lord  of  the  mansion  is  absent,  and  a  stranger  Jias 
usurped  his  place.  We  turn  with  disappointment  from  the 
scene,  exclaiming,  "  God  is  not  there ;"  and  if  God  be  not 
there,  how  can  they  ever  be  with  God  ?     Nor  can  we  with- 


REV.  LEOH  RICHMOND.  31 

hold  the  prayer,  that  ere  long  the  fatal  illusion  may  cease, 
and  the  chain  of  the  captive  be  broken. 

In  Mr.  Richmond  every  qualification  became  consecrated 
to  religion.  His  imagination,  taste,  aflfections  and  endow- 
ments received  an  impulse  which  directed  all  their  energies 
to  the  glory  of  God,  and  to  useful  and  profitable  purposes. 

To  illustrate  what  we  have  said,  we  subjoin  the  follow- 
ing passage,  which  not  only  shows  his  powers  for  descrip- 
tive scenery,  but  proves,  that  in  admiring  the  works  of 
Providence,  he  never  failed  to  associate  with  them  the  con- 
templation of  the  wonders  of  his  grace. 

"  It  was  not  unfrequently  my  custom,  when  my  mind 
was  filled  with  any  interesting  subject  for  meditation,  to 
seek  some  spot  where  the  beauties  of  natural  prospect 
might  help  to  form  pleasing  and  useful  associations. 

"  South-eastward  I  saw  the  open  ocean,  bounded  only 
by  the  horizon.     The  sun  shone,  and  gilded  the  waves 
with  a  glittering  light,  that  sparkled  in  the  most  brilliant 
manner.  ........ 

On  the  north  the  sea  appeared  like  a  noble  river,  varying 
from  three  to  seven  miles  in  breadth,  between  the  banks 
of  the  opposite  coast,  and  those  of  the  island  which  I  in- 
habited.* Immediately  underneath  me,  was  a  fine  woody 
district  of  country,  diversified  by  many  pleasing  objects. 
Distant  towns  were  visible  on  the  opposite  shore.  Num- 
bers of  ships  occupied  the  sheltered  station  which  this 
northern  channel  afforded  them.  The  eye  roamed  with  de- 
light over  an  expanse  of  near  and  remote  beauties,  which 
alternately  caught  the  observation,  and  which  harmonized 
together,  and  produced  a  scene  of  peculiar  interest." 

The  reflections  awakened  by  these  scenes  are  thua  ex- 
pressed. 

"  How  much  of  the  natural  beauties  of  Paradise  still  re- 
main in  the  world,  although  its  spiritual  character  has  been 
^  awfully  defaced  by  sin !  But  when  divine  grace  renews 
the  heart  of  the  fallen  dinner,  Paradise  is  regained,  and 

♦The  We  of  Wight, 


22  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

much  of  its  beauty  restored  to  the  soul.  As  this  prospect 
is  compounded  of  hill  and  dale,  land  and  sea,  woods  and 
plains,  all  sweetly  blended  together,  and  relieving  each 
other  in  the  landscape  ;  so  do  the  gracious  dispositions, 
wrought  in  the  soul,  produce  a  beauty  and  harmony  of 
scene,  to  which  it  was  before  a  stranger." 

Again,  we  insert  one  more  brief  reflection. 

*'  What  do  they  not  lose,  who  are  strangers  to  serious 
meditation,  on  the  wonders  and  beauties  of  created  nature  ! 
How  gloriously  the  God  of  creation  shines  in  his  works  ! 
Not  a  tree,  nor  leaf,  noi*  flower  ;  not  a  bird,  nor  insect,  but 
it  proclaims  in  glowing  language,  '  God  made  me.'  " 

In  his  parochial  engagements,  we  find  him  fulfilling  all 
the  duties  of  an  active  and  zealous  parish  priest.  The  im- 
portant and  essential  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  were  now 
made  the  powerful  and  affecting  themes  of  his  public  ad- 
dresses. As  we  shall  have  occasion  elsewhere  to  enter  in- 
to a  minute  detail  of  the  subject  and  manner  of  his  preach- 
ing, it  is  sufficient  in  this  place  to  observe,  that  man's  fallen 
and  ruined  state,  and  his  deliverance  and  redemption  by  Jesus 
Christ,  forme^d  the  grand  outline  of  his  discourses  ;  and  if  the 
truth  be  best  estimated  by  its  effects,  he  could  appeal  to 
unquestionable  evidences  that  he  proclaimed  it  ;  for  God 
blessed  it,  and  numerous  converts  attested  its  efficacy  and 
power.  No  such  discoverable  results  appeared  in  his  for- 
mer ministry,  because  it  was  incompetent  to  produce  them. 
In  addition  to  the  usual  and  appointed  duties  of  the  Sab- 
bath, he  visited  his  flock,  and  went  from  house  to  house, 
taking  care  not  to  make  these  opportunities  the  mere  occa- 
sion of  friendly  and  condescending  intercourse,  but  the 
means  of  real  improvement,  and  spiritual  edification.  The 
children  of  Brading  were  also  the  objects  of  his  tender  soli- 
citude. They  were  in  the  habit  of  repairing  to  him  every 
Saturday,  for  the  purpose  of  religious  instruction  ;  and  his 
memoirs  of  '  Little  Jane,'  records  one  of  the  happy  results 
of  these  youthful  meetings. 

Within  the  parish  of  Brading  was  situated  the  hamlet  of 
Bembridge,  at  the  distance  of  about  two  miles.     To  this 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  23 

]»lace  Mr.  Richmond  went  once  in  every  week,  to  expound 
the  Scriptures,  and  to  meet  those  who,  through  age  and 
infirmity  or  other  causes,  were  unable  to  attend  the  parish 
rliurch.  A  chapel  of  ease  has  since  been  erected,  and 
consecrated  in  the  summer  of  1827.  There  was  also 
another  hamlet,  called  Arreton,  where  he  was  accustomed 
to  meet  the  poor,  for  religious  edification.  He  had  hke- 
wise  the  care  of  the  parish  of  Yaverland  ;  and  as  the  scenes 
of  his  early  piety  and  zeal  cannot  but  be  interesting  to  his 
numerous  friends,  the  following  description  so  completely 
localises  every  object,  and  presents  them  so  vividly  to  the 
imagination,  that  we  msert  it  in  his  own  words  : 

"  I  had  the  spiritual  charge  of  another  parish,  adjoining 
to  that  in  which  I  resided.  It  was  a  small  district,  and  had 
but  few  inhabitants.  The  church  was  pleasantly  situated 
on  a  rising  bank,  at  the  foot  of  a  considerable  hill.  It  was 
surrounded  by  trees,  and  had  a  rural,  retired  appearance. 
Close  to  the  church-yard  stood  a  large  old  mansion, 
which  had  formerly  been  the  residence  of  an  opulent  and 
titled  family ;  but  it  had  long  since  been  appropriated  to 
the  use  of  the  estate,  as  a  farm-house.  Its  outward  as- 
pect bore  considerable  remains  of  ancient  grandeur,  and 
gave  a  pleasing  character  to  the  spot  of  ground  on  which 
the  church  stood.  In  every  direction  the  roads  that  led  to 
this  house  of  God  possessed  distinct  biit  interesting  fea- 
tures. One  of  them  ascended  between  several  rural  cot- 
tages, from  the  sea-shore,  which  adjoined  the  lower  part  of 
the  village  street.  Another  winded  round  the  curved  sides 
of  an  adjacent  hill,  and  was  adorned,  both  above  and  below, 
with  numerous  sheep,  feeding  on  the  herbage  of  the  down. 
\  third  road  led  to  the  church  by  a  gently-rising  approach, 

tween  high  banks,  covered  with  young  trees,  bushes,  ivy, 
hedge-plants,  and  wild  flowers. 

'*  From  a  point  of  land  which  commanded  a  view  of  all 
1  licse  several  avenues,  I  used  sometimes  for  a  while  to  watch 
my  congregation  gradually  assembling  together  at  the  hour 
of  Sabbath  worship.  They  were  in  some  directions  visible 
for  a  considerable  distance.       Gratifying  associations  of 


24  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

thought  would  form  in  my  mind,  as  I  contemplated  their 
approach  and  successive  arrival  within  the  precints  of  the 
house  of  prayer." 

His  reflections  on  this  occasion  are  thus  interestingly  ex- 
pressed : — 

"  How  many  immortal  souls  are  now  gathering  together 
to  perform  the  all-important  work  of  prayer  and  praise — 
to  hear  the  word  of  God — to  feed  upon  the  bread  of  life ! 
They  are  leaving  their  respective  dwellings,  and  will  soon 
be  united  together  in  the  house  of  prayer.  How  beauti- 
fully does  this  represent  the  effect  produced  by  the  voice 
of  '  the  good  Shepherd,*  calling  his  sheep  from  every  part 
of  the  wilderness  into  his  fold !  As  these  fields,  hills,  and 
lanes  are  now  covered  with  men,  women,  and  children,  in 
various  directions,  drawing  nearer  to  each  other,  and  to  the 
object  of  their  journey's  end  ;  even  so,  '  many  shall  come 
from  the  east  and  from  the  west,  and  from  the  north  and 
from  the  south,  and  shall  sit  down  in  the  kingdom  of 
God.'  " 

In  the  year  1801  he  formed  a  society  at  Brading,  which 
proved  an  occasion  of  much  benefit ;  the  rules  and  regu- 
lations being  peculiarly  calculated  to  promote  order,  so- 
briety, and  religion.  This  society  met  every  Wednesday 
evening,  and  he  himself  assumed  the  office  of  director.* 
The  members  of  whom  it  was  composed,  were  such  as 

*  The  following  regulation  will  afford  a  general  idea  of  the 
character  and  object  of  this  society  : 

"  The  society  will  meet  every  Wednesday  evening,  when  the 
director  will  attend,  for  the  purpose  of  explaining  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures, the  Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  other  such  godly 
books  as  he  may  think  useful  and  profitable  for  the  instruction  and 
edification  of  the  members ;  giving  them  such  friendly  and  Chris- 
tian exhortation  and  counsel  as  each  or  all  of  them  may  require  ; 
answering  any  questions  which  they  may  wish  to  propose,  respect- 
ing the  meaning  and  design  of  the  word  of  God,  and  their  own  con- 
duct and  religious  progress  in  general ;  and  joining  in  prayer  with 
them  to  Almighty  God,  for  a  blessing  upon  themselves,  their  fami- 
lies, their  neighbours,  and  their  country,  and  the  whole  Church  of 
God,  wherever  dispersed  in  the  world." 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  25 

had  derived  adv.intages  from  his  ministry,  and  were  sin- 
cerely desirous  of  advancing  in  knowledge  and  true  holi- 


To  the  soldiers  that  were  occasionally  quartered  in  that 
part  of  the  country,  he  was  made  highly  useful  by  his  preach- 
ing. The  history  of  one  of  those  men  is  remarkable.  It 
is  recorded  at  length  in  a  communication  inserted  in  the 
*  Christian  Observer,'  for  the  year  1802  (p.  772.)  Being 
too  long  for  insertion  here,  the  substance  of  it  is  as  fol- 
lows : — 

''  A  young  soldier,  one  day,  introduced  himself  to  Mr. 
Richmond,  in  company  with  one  of  his  comrades,  begging 
to  know  if  he  would  kindly  purchase  from  him  a  few  cler- 
gyman's bands,  and  some  manuscript  sermons.  Being 
asked  by  what  means  they  came  into  his  possession,  he 
stated,  with  much  embarrassment,  that  his  history  was 
wholly  unknown  to  his  companions  in  arms,  but  that  being 
thus  urged,  he  would  recount  the  painful  circumstances  of 
his  past  life.  He  proceeded  to  declare  that  he  was  the  son 
of  a  clergyman  in  Wales — that  he  himsfelf  had  been  re- 
gularly ordained,  an!  officiated  during  three  years  on  a  cu- 
racy in  the  county  of  W ;  that  disorderly  habits,  and 

debts  incurred  without  the  possibility  of  discharging  them, 
had  brought  him  at  length  to  ruin  and  disgrace  ;  and  that, 
to  avoid  imprisonment,  he  had  been  induced  to  enlist  as 
a  common  soldier — that  he  had  served  in  the  last  campaign 
in  Holland,  and  was  then  about  to  proceed  with  the  army, 
io  the  expedition  to  Alexandria,  under  Sir  Ralph  Aber- 
crombie.  He  added,  that  it  was  to  furnish  himself  with  a 
few  necessaries,  that  he  was  led  to  offer  the  articles  in 
question  for  sale.  Mr.  Richmond  having  ascertained,  as 
far  as  possible,  the  correctness  of  his  story,  purchased  them  ; 
and  afterwards  held  a  very  long  conversation  with  him,  on 
the  awful  consequences  of  his  past  life,  and  his  unfaithful- 
ness to  the  solemn  and  sacred  engagement  he  had  formerly 
contracted.  The  soldier  seemed  to  be  more  abashed  by 
the  disclosure  of  his  history,  than  impressed  by  the  con- 
sciousness of  bis  guilt,  and  the  admonitions  that  he  had 
4 


26  MEMOIKS  OF  THE 

heard.  In  June,  1802,  the  comrade  who  had  originally 
accompanied  him,  once  more  called  on  Mr.  Richmond, 
and  stated  that  he  was  just  returned  from  Egypt,  and  that 
the  young  man,  in  whose  welfare  he  had  taken  so  lively 
an  interest,  had  fallen  in  battle,  and  died  a  true  penitent — 
that  on  the  evening  preceding  the  engagement  of  the  21st 
March,  he  had  been  seized  with  a  presentiment  that  he 
should  not  survive  the  event  of  the  following  day  ;  and  had 
commissioned  him,  (the  bearer.)  should  he  be  spared  to  re- 
turn, to  mforra  Mr  Richmond,  that  the  counsel  he  had  so 
faithfully  given  to  him,  though  it  had  failed  at  the  time  to  im- 
press him  as  it  ought  to  have  done,  had  ultimately  sunk  deep 
into  his  conscience,  and  produced  all  the  eifects  that  he 
could  have  wished ;  '  tell  our  dear  pastor,'  continued  he, 
'  that  I  owe  him  more  than  worlds  can  repay ;  he  first 
opened  my  heart  to  conviction,  and  God  has  blessed  it  to 
repentance.  Through  the  unspeakable  mercies  of  Christ, 
I  can  die  with  comfort.  The  event  that  he  had  prognosti- 
cated was  fulfilled  ;   and  it  was  discovered  that  poor  Mr. 

E lost  his  life  by  a  cannon  ball,  at  an  early  period  in 

the  action." 

Such  were  his  parochial  labours  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
We  omit  the  interesting  circumstances  that  gave  rise  to 
the  publication  of  his  popular  tract  of  the  '  Dairyman's 
Daughter,'  because  they  will  be  recorded  at  the  proper 
time  ;  but  what  has  already  been  detailed,  furnishes  con- 
clusive evidence  that  he  was  sustaining  the  part  of  a  labo- 
rious parish  priest ;  that  he  was  "  a  workman  that  neodetli 
not  to  be  ashamed  ;"  and  that  his  doctrine,  energy  and  ex- 
ample, were  holding  forth  a  bright  prospect  of  the  more 
extensive  career  of  usefulness,  on  which  he  was  shortly 
about  to  enter.  The  writer  of  these  lines  cannot  recall 
without  emotion,  a  visit  that  he  paid  to  the  village  of 
Brading,  some  years  after  Mr.  Richmond  had  left  that 
scene  of  his  former  labours.  And,  if  the  recollections 
awakened  by  the  mention  of  a  person's  name  and  affec- 
tionate traces  of  the  past,  be  one  of  the  testimonies  paid  to 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  27 

worth,  and  a  token  that  we  are  not  forgotten,  that  mark  of 
distinction  mijjht  justly  be  claimed  as  his  ;  for  every  tongue 
was  eloquent  in  his  praise,  and  every  eye  ghstened  with  de- 
hght,  while  the  virtues  of  their  former  beloved  pastor  fur- 
nished the  theme  of  conversation,  and  was  the  welcome 
subject  of  fond  remembrance,  gratitude  and  love. 

Having  described  him  engaged  in  the  duties  of  his  parish, 
the  following  extract  from  a  letter,  addressed  to  his  mo- 
ther, will  prove  that  the  same  high  sense  of  his  minis- 
terial responsibility,  and  anxious  desire  for  usefulness,  dis- 
covers itself  in  his  correspondence.  He  had  recently  been 
invited  to  preach  the  annual  sermon  in  the  abby  church  at 
Bath,  on  the  subject  of  cruelty  to  the  brute  creation,  in 
conformity  with  the  bequest  of  the  Rev.  Henry  Brindley, 
at  the  close  of  the  last  century.  It  is  to  this  circumstance 
that  the  letter  alludes. 

"  Brading,  March  26,  1801. 
"  My  dearest  Mother, 

"  It  gives  me  real  and  unspeakable  gratification  that 
any  thing  you  observe  in  me^«hould  give  you  the  pleasure 
you  describe  ;  yet  I  fear  you  overrate  me.  Daily  do  I  be- 
come more  and  more  sensible  of  my  own  deficiencies  ;  and 
when  I  hear  myself  praised,  my  failings  and  corruptions 
seem  to  be  magnified  in  the  mirror  of  conscience  and  con- 
viction. I  do  feel  an  earnest  and  solemn  wish  to  be  a  real 
Christian  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  but  it  is  indeed 
a  character  too  exalted  for  my  expectations  of  attaining, 
and  unutterable  is  the  responsibility  attached  to  it.  To  be 
a  Christian  at  all,  in  the  scriptural  sense  is  a  business  of 
unwearied  attention,  watchfulness,  and  labour  ;  but  to  be  a 
teacher,  an  example,  a  shepherd  to  the  flock,  requires  ten- 
fold circumspection.  May  God  make  me  what  he  wishes, 
in  order  to  form  that  character  ;  and  may  no  self  sufficiency, 
carelessness  or  presumption,  ever  lead  me  to  false  security, 
neglect  of  duty,  or  inactivity — to  all  of  which  we  are  so 
prone  by  nature.     In  exact  proportion  as  we  struggle  to 


28 


MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


rise  above  our  natural  propensities,  Satan  endeavours  not 
only  to  stop  our  progress,  but  to  turn  our  very  improvement 
into  danger,  and  a  snare,  by  exciting  pride  and  self-satis- 
faction at  what  we  have  been  enabled  to  do.  I  have  no 
objection  to  hearing  that  my  preaching  excited  attention  at 
Bath  (though  1  ought  to  avoid  every  thing  likely  to  awaken 
vanity,)  because  I  am  convinced  that  it  is  not  so  much 
from  any  thing  in  me,  individually  speaking,  as  in  the 
scriptural  truths  which,  by  God's  grace,  I  invariably  en- 
deavour to  advance  and  expound,  that  approbation  was 
manifested.  I  claim  no  praise,  but  that  of  being  in  earnest ; 
and  when  I  open  the  counsel  of  God  to  a  congregation,  I 
hope  1  feel  anxious  for  the  welfare  of  my  hearers,  and 
really  desirous  that  they  should,  for  their  own  sakes,  *  mark, 
learn,  hear,  and  inwardly  digest  the  Holy  Scriptures,' 
when  explained  according  to  the  principles  of  sound  or- 
thodoxy and  evangelical  truth.  And,  thus  considering- 
sound  truth  as  the  matter,  and  pastoral  anxiety  as  the  man- 
ner of  my  preaching,  I  hope  to  steer  clear  of  any  personal 
vanity,  or  silly  presumption,  in  the  arts  of  human  eloquence, 
either  written  or  oratorical.  I  have  no  wish  to  be  a  popu- 
lar preacher  in  any  sense  but  one  viz.,  as  a  preacher  to  the 
hearts  of  the  people. 

"  Mary  and  the  children  send  kindest  love  to  you  and  my 
father,  with  your  affectionate  son, 

"  Legh  Richmond. 
''  To  Mrs.  Richmond,  Bennet  Street,  Bath.''' 

The  following  letter  was  written  about  the  same  time, 
to  his  sister,  on  her  marriage  : — 

"Forgive  me,  ray  beloved  sister,  if  I  express  myself  with 
more  than  customary  anxiety,  in  now  writing  to  you  ;  re- 
lated as  I  am  by  the  nearest  ties  of  kindred,  and  by  the  slili 
more  close  bonds  of  love  and  tender  friendship.  I  feel  a 
liveiv  mterest  in  all  which  concers  you  ;  and  should  be 
more  than  commonly  happy,  if  a  brother's  prayer,  and  a 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  '^ 

brother's  admonition,  should  prove  in  any  way  conducive 
to  the  welfare  and  advancement  of  a  much-loved  sister. 

*'  I  am  desirous  of  seeing  and  knowing  that  you  will 
shine  in  the  united  characters  of  wife,  mother,  friend,  and 
Christian.  I  feel  truly  and  unequivocally  anxious  that  you 
should  not,  even  in  appearance,  sink  into  the  mere  accom- 
plished and  elegant  woman.  I  wish  you  to  set  a  right  es- 
timate upon  that  far  more  accomplished,  and  infinitely  more 
useful  character,  which  exists  chiefly  within  the  walls  of 
your  own  house.  Every  thing  depends  on  your  first  out- 
set. By  the  model  which  you  frame  for  your  conduct  this 
rery  year%  will  probably  be  regulated  all  your  subsequent 
character  and  conduct  in  every  future  station  and  relation 
of  life. 

"  You  well  know  the  affection,  and  I  trust  will  not  des- 
pise the  judgment  and  sentiments,  of  him  who  speaks  thus 
candidly  and  frankly  to  you.  I  am  well  persuaded  that  a 
young  woman,  to  be  truly  respectable,  must  dare  to  be 
laudably  singular.  There  always  will  be  a  certain  des- 
cription of  persons  in  every  place,  who  will  wonder  that 
you  can  exist  without  passing  your  time  as  they  do  ;  but 
amongst  those  whose  esteem  and  opinion  alone  ought  to  re 
gulatc  your  own  feelmgs  and  conduct,  the  more  retired 
and  seldom-tobe-seen  wife,  whose  theatre  of  real  action 
and  real  pleasure  is  within  her  own  house,  in  the  fulfilment 
of  sober,  useful,  and  exemplary  duties,  will  ever  be  most 
beloved,  most  respected,  and  most  befriended. 

♦*  By  way  of  immediate  occupation  of  your  time  and 
thoughts,  allow  me  to  direct  them  to  the  relief  and  benefit 
of  the  poor ;  not  by  idle  gratuities,  but  by  diligently  seek- 
ing them  out,  informing  yourself  of  their  wants  and  dis- 
tresses, and  economizing  in  superfluities,  in  order  that 
thereby  the  poor  may  abound  in  needfuls,  and  you  may 
abound  in  their  blessings.  Be  systematically  charitable, 
both  to  their  souls  and  bodies.  Promote  plans  for  instruc- 
tion :  assist  in  superintending  them  ;  employ  yourself  in 
making  clothes  for  them  :  and  rest  not  till  vou  have  made  it 
4* 


30  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

a  settled  and  uniform  part  of  your  character,  to  be  activel\> 
constantly,  and  watchfully  charitable. 

Be  scrupulously  attentive  to  the  observance  of  the  sab- 
bath, both  in  public  and  in  private,  both  at  church  and  at 
home  ;  and  in  all  your  pleasures,  all  your  pains,  all  your 
employments,  prospects,  plans,  and  engagements,  remem- 
ber that  the  use  of  this  life  is  to  prepare  for  a  better  ;  and 
that  ♦  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way  that  leads 
to  eternal  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it  '  Read  your 
Bible  with  prayer,  daily,  under  the  impression  of  this  aw- 
ful truth  :  and  may  God  remember  you,  my  dearest  sister, 
amongst  those  whom  he  especially  loveth  ;  and  his  grace  ren- 
der you,  what  I  wish  you  may  always  prove  to  be,  a  valued 
wife,  a  tender  mother,  an  estimable  friend,  and  a  devoted 
Christian. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

L.    RlCIIMO?iD.'* 

We  now  proceed  to  unfold  the  more  secret  recesses  of 
his  heart,  as  developed  in  a  diary,  commencing  January, 
1804,  and  continued  to  August  of  the  same  year.  It  is 
much  to  be  lamented  that  it  never  seems  to  have  been  re- 
gularly resumed,  and  that  there  are  only  occasional  and 
interrupted  documents  of  this  kind  found  among  his  papers. 

"  Jan.  1 .  A  new  year  is  begun,  but  where  is  the  new 
heart,  and  the  right  spirit  ?  Oh,  weakness  and  wickedness  I 
Preached  from  Rom.  xi.   28,  29  ;  and  Joh  xvi.  22.     Felt 

much  satisfaction  after  the  morning  service,  from  J 

and  his  wife  proposing  to  become  members  of  my  society. 
He  shed  tears  of  penitence  and  joy.  May  God  work  all 
for  good.  In  the  afternoon,  felt  something  of  the  fear  of 
man  ;  but  found,  as  I  proceeded,  more  freedom.  O  Lord, 
save  me  from  fear  of  censure,  and  love  of  praise  !  Went 
in  the  evening,  to  my  society  at  Arreton  :  few,  but  meek, 
humble,  and  hopeful.  Another  member  proposed,  an  in- 
firm old  widow. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  31 

•'  Jan.  3.  Uneasy  at  not  having  completed  another  part 
of  the  review  of  Daubeny.*  I  ana  very  deficient  in  steady, 
persevering  diligence.  Let  roe  think  mucli  of  this,  and 
learn  to  set  a  right  value  on  time.  Oh  !  how  precious 
ought  every  hour  to  be,  when  each  may  be  the  last. 
Thought  much  of  Cowper's  description  of  preaching  : 
(Task,  Book  ii  )  God  impress  it  on  my  heart.  B.  is 
buried  to-day ;  how  dreadfully  unprepared  to  meet  his 
God  !  How  far  am  I  responsible  ?  Alas  !  how  great  is  the 
burden  of  the  pastor  !  Lord  give  me  grace  to  see  it,  and 
feel  it  more  and  more,  and  enable  me  to  bear  it  with  a  good 
conscience.  I  have  been  delighted,  and  I  hope  profited, 
by  Biddulph's  funeral  sermon  on  Mr.  Drewitt ;  oh  !  that  I 
were  Uke  him  !  I  now  wonder  that  I  had  not  more  cor- 
respondence with  that  holy  man.  I  shall  ever  think  with 
pleasure,  of  my  introduction  to  him  God  bring  us  together 
at  the  last  I  trust  my  resolutions  gain  strength.  O  God, 
in  thy  mercy  strengthen  me  !  May  my  thoughts  now  close 
with  blessed  Drewitt,  and  sink  to  peacefulness  with  a  bless- 
ing on  the  meditation. 

"  Jan.  4.  Received  the  *  Christian  Observer ;'  my 
*  fourth  letter  on  Kipling,'  there  ;t  surely  it  is  conclusive, 
yet  what  will  not  prejudice  distort  ?  Preserve  me,  O  my 
God  !  in  the  wiles  of  controversy,  from  the  neglect  of  prac- 
tical religion  within.  It  is  not  Calvin  nor  Arminius-  nor 
Cranmer  ;  but  Christ,  who  is  the  Saviour,  and  his  name 
only  be  adored. 

**  Jan.  6.  A  beautiful  frosty  morning.  Teach  me,  O 
Lord  !  from  the  beauties  of  nature,  to  learn  the  beauties  of 
grace.  Every  returning  morning  reminds  me,  what  a 
mercy  it  is  I  am  still  alive — and  have  space  and  time  given 
mc  to  repent  and  believe.    Take  my  heart,  O  God  !  into 

•  He  here  alludes  to  his  review  of  Daubeny's  Vindicice  Ecclesice, 
•r  which  we  shall  have  occHsion  to  speak  in  a  subsequent  part.  It 
WM  inserted  in  the  *  Christian  Observer.' 

t  This  is  another  review,  in  which  he  was  engaged.  It  was  pub- 
lished in  the  •  Christian  Observer,'  for  1804,  under  the  signatures 
ftf  Academicus  and  a  Curate  of  the  South. 


32  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

thy  keeping,  and  then  it  will  be  safe  If  it  be  tliy  good 
pleasure  to  rescue  me  from  temporal  perplexity,  let  my 
gratitude  appear  ;  if  not,  let  it  be  ground  for  submission 
and  patient  resignation.  With  thee,  I  cannot  do  ill  ;  with- 
out thee,  I  cannot  do  well.  Heard  Nugent's  morning 
prayers.  May  he  learn  early  the  lesson  which  I  for  so 
many  years  neglected,  and  now  perform  so  unworthily. 
Prayer  is  the  breath  of  faith. 

''  Jan.  7.  Surprised  by  a  letter  from  Hannah  More,  to 
invite  me  to  succeed  Mr.  Drewitt,  at  Cheddar,  or  to  re- 
commend a  curate.  Oh,  I  am  unworthy,  could  it  be 
brought  about.  Yet  what  a  field  to  act  upon.  Lead  me, 
O  God,  to  that  which  is  right.  Shall  I  make  any  overtures 
to  remove  there  or  not  ?  It  has  filled  me  with  mingled 
contemplation  and  solicitude.  Is  it  a  call  from  God,  or 
ought  I  rather  to  do  his  work  here  ?  Direct  my  heart,  O, 
God,  from  doubts  and  wandeiings,  into  thy  paths. 

"  Jan.  8,  Sunday.  Snow  and  sleet  How  cold  are  my 
affections  !  like  this  season.  Warm  my  heart,  O  Lord  ! 
till  it  burn  with  the  flames  of  devotion.  Compose  my 
thoughts  into  holy  meditation^  and  let  not  the  events  o^  the 
day  destroy  them. 

"  Preached  on  the  Epiphany,  and  on  Christ  among  the 
doctors  in  the  temple. 

*'  My  heart  heavy  in  reflecting  how  unworthy  I  am  to 
think  ever  of  succeeding  Mr.  Drevv'itt :  to  be  placed  in  such 
a  parish,  with  such  neighbours  and  friends  as  that  country 
would  afford,  might  be  an  unspeakable  benefit  to  me,  and 

my  dear  M ;   but  I  hardly  dare  think  of  it.     Lord, 

direct  me  for  the  best.  I  am  a  poor,  weak,  irresolute,  sin- 
ful creature  ;  without  thee,  I  can  do  nothing. 

"Jan.  10.  What  an  awful  idea  is  eternity  :  am  I  pre- 
pared to  encounter  it  ?  *  Oh,  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may 
recover  my  strength,  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more 
seen !'  Settle  my  opinions  sledfastly,  and  above  all,  ray 
affections  on  thyself,  O  Lord  !  Have  mercy  on  the  dear 
children  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  and  may  I  give  ihem 
back  unto  thee  in  Jesus  Christ,  their  atid  my  Saviour.     I 


t 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  3^ 

fear  I  have  not  taught  N.  all  I  ought,  and  of  which  he  is 
capable.  Let  me  lay  this  to  heart,  and  recommend  him 
to  God  in  prayer. 

**  Much  perplexed  what  to  say  to  Mrs  More.  Surely  if 
Vanity  wanted  food,  it  is  here — to  be  solicited  by  a  Hannah 
More,  to  supply  the  place  of  a  Drewitt !  But  a  sense  of 
unworthiness,  thank  God,  represses  emotions  like  these. 

"  Jan.  1 1 .  Much  indisposed  by  a  very  severe  cold ;  but, 
alas!  how  much  more  sick  in  the  inner  man.  I  have 
nearly  finished  this  month's  portion  for  the  *  Christian  Ob- 
server.' May  1  grow  daily  more  diligent,  pious,  and  wise 
unto  salvation,  through  God's  blessing  on  my  studies 

"Jan.  13.  Better  in  body  :  I  thank  thee,  O  God;  but 
there  is  much  in  my  mind  that  waiits  healing.  Oh  !  thou 
Redeemer  of  souls  and  physician  of  hearts,  purchase  me 
entirely  to  thyself,  and  heal  my  diseases.  I  have  sent  off 
my  packet  to  the  *  Christian  Observer.'  The  world  fights 
against  me,  the  flesh  within  me,  and  Satan  both  within  and 
without.  How  shall  I  conquer,  but  in  Christ  Jesus?  Help 
nie  to  prepare,  O  Lord,  for  the  service  of  thy  sanctuary  ; 
and  direct  me  to  such  thoughts  and  words  as  shall  edify  my 
hearers,  and  reach  my  own  heart  to  a  good  purpose. 

"Jan.  14.  One  fortnight  more,  and  T  shall  be  thirty- 
two  in  years  by  nature,  but  how  old  in  grace  ?  Sloth,  de- 
tested sloth,  how  does  it  mjure  my  advancement.  Would 
to  God  I  might  now  break  all  bonds,  and  fly  in  heart  and 
soul  to  the  poflses-^ion  of  my  God.  There  are  moments 
when  all  heaven  seems  open  before  me  •  and  others,  when 
I  tremble  over  the  pit  of  sorrows. 

**  Jan.  16.  The  sabbath  .is  ended  I  preached  on  the 
reason  why  Chnst  delivered  his  doctrine  in  parables  ;  Matt. 
xiii  10,11.  At  Yaverland,  read  the  Homily  on  the  time 
and  place  of  prayer  Went  to  Arreton  ;  my  excellent 
though  humble  friend,  .T.  W.,  was  there.  I  pray  God  I 
might  sit  at  his  feet  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  :  I  know  no 
such  other  Christian  here.  WouM  to  God  I  were  like  him. 
I  found  much  comfort  with  my  society.  Returned  in 
t  hunder,  lightning,  and  rain.   Thought  of  death  and  of  judg- 


34  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

nient.  Oh,  awful  meditation  !  Let  me  examine  my  heart 
on  its  faith,  hope,  and  love.  Help  me,  O  God !  to  pray  } 
and  so  may  thy  bleb^sin^  rest  on  me  and  mine. 

Jan.  It.  Another  week  and  another  mercy.  *  Oh, 
teach  me  to  number  my  days,  tijat  I  may  apply  my  heart 
unto  wisdom.'  Why  am  I  alive?  Why  have  I  space  to 
repent,  when  so  many  are  cut  off?  Who  iriakes  me  to  dif- 
fer, either  in  outward  or  inward  circumstances  ?  Oh,  my 
Lord  and  my  God !  to  tiiee  1  owe  every  thing  ;  yea,  myself 
also.     Let  me  then  speedily  pay  the  debt. 

"  What  methods  shall  I  take  to  cure  my  spiritual  sloth- 
fulness  ?  There  must  be  a  struggle  and  agony — heaven 
must  be  taken  with  violence 

Day  aflei  day  elapses. — Oh,  time  !  oh,  eternity  !  In  spite 
of  sorrows,  calms  and  relaxations  sometimes  steal  on  me. 
Let  me  not  deceive  myself  with  a  false  peace.  Sometimes 
I  am  tempted  to  doubt  whether  I  am  a  real  Christian.  O 
teach  me,  my  God,  to  answer  this  question  with  a  right 
conscience. 

"  Jan.  17.  I  feel  much  nneasiness  at  not  malting  more 
progress  in  the  right  way  The  unfruitful  tree  shall  be  cut 
down  and  burned.  Have  mercy  on  me.  and  all  my  family, 
according  to  thy  goodness.  O  Lord  !  Help  me  to  form  a 
right  judgment,  bind  my  affection  to  the  truth,  and  so  let 
my  lifie  shew  it  forth.  Often  as  my  birth-day  approached, 
have  I  made  resolutions  of  a  new  life  ;  but  there  has  always 
been  an  enemy  within  and  without,  to  prevail  against  me. 

"  Much  pleased  with  Dr.  Jackscwi,  on  the  Catholic 
church — a  curious  and  beautiful  mean,  between  Arminian- 
ism  and  high  Calvinism  Give  me  a  firm  and  resolute 
heart,  O  God  !  even  such  an  one  as  thou  wilt  accept. 

"  Wrote  to  Hannah  More,  dubiously.  Lord,  direct  me 
to  choose  for  the  best. 

«  Jan.  18.  This  day,  with  thv  blessing  T  shall  go  to  feed 
my  sheep  at  Rembridge.  Grant  me  to  do  so  wnth  a  faith- 
ful and  a  single  heart.  I  always  look  upon  that  society,  as 
a  hutnble  ground  for  hope  that  the  Lord  means  to  do  good 
through  me ;  yet  how  often  do  1  perform  that  duty  Nyith 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  3S 

slothfulness.  Give  me,  O  God,  more  will,  and  strength, 
and  grace,  and  povvt  r,  and  blessing,  and  success  ;  and  teach 
me  to  judge  (if  it  so  please  thee)  by  the  state  of  my  people, 
of  my  own  Provide  Cheddar  with  a  successor  to  Drewitt, 
after  thine  own  heart  ;  and  increase  the  number  of  true 
pastors,  and  true  sheep  in  thy  pasture. 

"  Jan.  19.  How  vain  are  all  attempts  to  find  peace  in 
aught  but  the  Gospel !  How  the  v/orld  steals  upon  the 
mind,  and  usurps  the  throne  of  God.  '  Video  meliora  probo- 
quCy  deteriora  sequor ''*  Make  me  more  discreet  and  con- 
siderate in  the  management  of  my  property.  Let  justice 
and  generosity  be  equally  and  forcibly  remembered.  I  find 
my  prayers  languid  and  lukewarm  to-day.  Why  is  this  ? 
The  fault  must  lie  within. 

"  Jan,  20.  Little  Mary  in  a  very  high  fever ;  Nugent 
beginning  to  have  one.  Teach  me  so  to  bear  these  trials, 
that  they  may  be  truly  profitable  unto  me. 

<*  Jan.  24.  Let  me  impress  oh  my  mind  the  value  of 
time,  and  resolve  and  act  accordingly.  Let  me  often  re- 
flect on  my  wife  and  children's  souls,  as  well  as  my  own  ; 
and  never  forget  the  spiritual  welfare  of  my  flock. 

"  Mary  excessively  weak — Nugent  worse.  Keep  my 
heart,  O  God !  or  I  shall  be  soon  overwhelmed.  Grant  me 
thy  blessing,  O  God ! 

"  Jan,  25.  Letter  from  Mr.  Wilberforco.  How  beau- 
tiful a  sight  is  riches  united  with  godliness  ;  yet,  who  that 
has  the  latter,  is  not  truly  possessed  of  the  former.  If  the 
weather  should  permit  my  going  to  Bembridgc,  prosper 
my  endeavour  among  the  people,  O  Lord.'  and  may  their 
prosperity  be  mine. 

"  Jan.  27.  An  affecting  letter  from  my  mother  to  my 
wife,  exhorting  to  fortitude  and  patience,  in  case  it  should 
please  God  to  take  our  sweet  little  Mary  to  himself.  May 
we  find  it  to  be  for  our  good,  which  ever  way  the  righteous 
God  shall  ordain.  Let  me  reflect  much  on  this  matter — 
and  be  thou  with  ipe,  O  my  God  !  in  all  my  prayers  and 
.'supplications. 

'  I  see  and  approve  the  better  but  follow  the  worse.     A.  E. 


36  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Jan.  29.  The  Lord's  sabbath  and  my  birthday.  O 
Almighty  God !  sanctify  this  day  in  my  heart :  herein  and 
henceforth  may  I  rest  from  sin,  and  spiritual  sorrow,  ex- 
cept that  sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  unto  salvation. 

"  I  have  preached  on  the  parable.  Matt  xx.  1  ;  and  from 
Eph.  i.  7,  on  redemption. 

"  Had  some  interesting  conversation  with  J.  W.  and 
E.  C.  Went  to  Achton* — Comfort  and  peace  My  child 
rather  better.  God  bless  us  all,  and  make  us  to  know  what 
means  peace  with  thee. 

This  day  some  friends  are  coming  to  keep  my  birthday  : 
when  will  friends  of  another  kind  celebrate  my  birthday 
into  the  life  of  glory  ?  Ten  pounds  from  Mr.  Wilberforce. 
for  the  poor.     Holy  man  !  would  I  resembled  thee. 

"Jaw.  31.  May  God  strengthen  me  to  keep  my  birth* 
day  resolutions  ;  I  am  very  weak  and  unstable. 

"  A  momentary  fit  of  anger,  which,  blessed  be  God,  I 
immediately  tranquillized,  and  sought  present  reconcilia- 
tion. Let  the  fear  of  God's  anger  ever  make  me  afraid 
of  my  men. 

"  Feb.  1 .  I  am  studying  the  Augsburgh  Confession  on 
Justification.  It  appears  decisive  against  Daubeny.  Oh  ! 
for  a  full  application  of  the  doctrine  to  my  own  soul. 

"  Met  my  society  at  Bembridge.  The  occasion  profita- 
ble. Returned  in  a  storm.  May  these  meetings  prove  a 
solid  and  permanent  advantage  to  all  and  to  me. 

"  Feb.  2.  When  I  reflect  on  my  unfruitfiilness,  I  trem- 
ble. Hours,  days,  weeks,  years  roll  on,  and  still  so  much 
is  to  be  done. 

"I  have  looked  into  the  controversy  between  Daubeny 
and  Overton.  Faults  on  both  sides.  But  there  is  a  con- 
troversy between  me  and  my  God,  where  the  fault  is  all  on 
one  side.  Who  shall  judge  between  us  ?  O  Christ !  be 
my  advocate,  yea,  my  surety,  and  I  shall  not  fear  thee,  when 
thou  shalt  appear  as  my  judge. 

*  This  hamlet  is  sometimes  called  Adjeton,  and  at  other  timcR 
Achton,  ia  the  Diary.    Its  proper  name  is  Arreton. 


k 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  37 

"  Feb.  7.  Much  ado  about  nothing,  and  little  done 
about  the  great  thing.  Oh,  let  thy  mercy  be  shown  to  me, 
by  enabling  me  to  show  mercy  to  myself!  When  I  think 
of  what  I  have  been,  what  I  am,  what  I  shall  be, — the 
idea  fills  me  with  hopeful  fear  and  fearful  hope.  Let  me 
think  of  my  sermons,  my  soul,  my  family,  my  relations,  my 
friends,  my  parish,  my  Saviour,  and  my  God  ;  and  thus 
close  my  meditation  to-night  wilh  prayer. 

"  Fd>.  9.  Dreamed  a  dream,  full  of  confusion  and  dan- 
ger ;  useful  hints  may  be  drawn  rationally  from  dreams,  so 
far  as  they  may  be  considered  as  resulting  from  the  state 
and  frame  of  the  body,  and  the  inward  customary  state  of 
the  raind.  Dreams  are  for  the  most  part  the  uninterrupted 
thoughts  of  the  soul  in  sleep.  Oh,  my  God  !  may  my 
waking  thoughts  and  my  sleeping  imaginations,  all  become 
full  of  thee ! 

"  Feb.  1 0.  I  find  a  strong  inclination  to  false  fancy,  as 
if  some  change  in  my  worldly  state  and  residence  were  to 
bring  about  a  correspondent  one  in  my  spiritual  condition. 
Satan  struggles,  together  with  the  flesh,  to  keep  up  the  dan- 
gerous phantom.  Art  thou  not  here,  O  my  God  I  and  is 
not  mine  oflice  here  ?  and  has  not  my  soul  helps  sufficient  ? 
Oh,  yes !  give  me  strength  to  resist  this,  and  to  seek  thee 
here  and  now.  Oh  !  let  me  watch  as  well  as  pray,  lest  I 
enter  into  temptation. 

"  Fe6.  11.  This  day  is  to  be  an  echpse  of  the  sun. 
What  a  beautiful  emblem  of  those  eclipses  of  the  soul, 
which  sometimes  hide  the  face  of  God  from  the  sons  of' 
earth.  Oh,  revive  me  with  thy  presence,  my  God  !  even 
thy  effectual  and  abiding  presence.  I  have  been  medita- 
ting on  the  parable  of  the  good  Samaritan,  in  a  spiritual 
application,  with  a  view  of  preaching  on  it. 

**  To-morrow  is  thy  day,  O  God  of  Hosts !  may  I  sancti- 
fy it,  and  may  my  words  be  blessed  to  the  hearts  of  my 
hearers.     Enable  me  to  speak  from  the  heart  to  the  heart. 

"  Feb.  15.  Ash  Wednesday.  Is  this  truly  so  to  me  ? 
Do  I  mourn  in  dust  and  ashes  for  my  sins  ?  I  want  the 
spirit  of  mortification   and  self  denial.      Enable  rae  to 


38  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

preach  to  my  people  without  fear  of  man,  and  with  the  love 
of  God  in  my  own  heart. 

**  Oh,  my  God  !  guide,  direct,  sanctify  and  bless  me,  and 
all  mine  and  all  thine. 

''  Feb.  16.  How  weak,  frail,  and  inconstant  a  creature 
is  man  ;  and  of  men,  myself  most  deplorably  so.  Some- 
times my  desires  and  resolutions  run  mountains  high  ;  and 
then  I  grow  faint,  and  the  stream  of  my  affections  is  mud- 
died and  thick.  Let  me  think  of  my  children  and  my 
household,  and  of  their  spiritual  welfare  ;  and  not  cleave 
in  heart  to  any  one  temptation  thrown  in  ray  way  by  the 
world. 

"  The  organ  proposal  negatived.  I  feel  the  benefit  of  a 
momentary  disappointment ;  it  is  physic  to  the  soul.  How 
every  thing  tends  to  convince  me  of  the  folly  and  wicked- 
ness of  seeking  comfort  in  the  creature.  O  blessed  Crea- 
tor !  when  shall  I  be  thine  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ? 

"  Feb.  17.  Harassed  with  foolish  thoughts.  I  grow 
more  and  more  ashamed  of  myself,  that  such  things  can 
lay  hold  of  my  heart,  and  that  I  should  have  such  dead- 
ness  towards  heaven.  '  O  earth,  earth,  earth !  hear  the 
word  of  the  Lord' 

"  I  have  been  to  Bembridge,  and  read  Burder's  poetical 
abridgment  of  the  Pilgrim's  Progress,  with  profit  and  de- 
light to  us  all.  How  much  more  am  1  in  my  element, 
among  my  little  flock,  than  scheming  in  the  world.  Drank 
tea  at  John  Wheler's  ;  his  cottage  is  God's  palace. 

"  Feb.  20.  Let  me  reflect  on  the  fleetness  of  time,  and 
on  the  uncertainty  of  my  life.  Drewitt  was  taken  away 
just  at  my  age — the  hand  of  death  may  be  close  ;  oh, 
what  folly  to  imagine  it  at  a  distance  !  May  I  then  die 
daily. 

"Received  rehgious  books  to  the  value  of  £15,  from 
Mr.  Thornton,  to  distribute  in  my  parish.  God  be  thank- 
ed for  such  friends  to  me  and  mine. 

"Pc6.  21.  I  have  strangely  neglected  the  review.  I 
pray  God  to  give  me  strength  to  go  on  with  it,  and  to  think 
and  write  to  his  glory.     My  inward  and  bosom  sin  prey.s 


r 


REV.  LEOH  RICHMOND.  39 

sadly  upon  me.  I  beseech  thee,  O  my  God  !  to  make  me 
a  new  creature  :  in  that  respect  most  especially,  give  me  a 
new  heart  and  a  right  spirit. 

**  Feb,  24.  How  soon  the  best  plans  degenerate  into 
formality,  and  how  often  Satan  transforms  himself  into  an 
angel  of  light  What  a  fight,  race,  and  struggle  the 
Christian  warfare  is  !  May  I  so  fight,  run,  and  strive,  that 
I  may  obtain. 

"  Feb.  26.  A  serene  fine  morning  is  an  emblem  of  rest 
— rest  from  storms  and  rain  :  how  ought  I  to  seek  an  earn- 
est within,  of  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of 
God.'  In  all  mv  ministrations  this  day — in  the  sanctuary, 
the  house,  the  closet,  may  all  be  to  thee,  and  for  thee,  and 
by  thee.  I  feel  my  own  deficiencies  daily  more  and  more  ; 
d  God  !  may  1  feel  them  till  1  lose  them. 

«  Feb.  27.  I  every  day  feel  more  the  truth  of  the  doc- 
trine, that  the  flesh  and  spirit  strive  contrarywise  against 
each  other  Excuses,  apologies,  procrastinations,  delays, 
all  proceed  from  this. 

"  Feb.  29.  I  perceive  too  much  compliance  with  world- 
ly company  and  conversation  ;  oh  my  soul,  if  I  give  way 
to  this,  my  Usefulness  will  be  mu«',h  diminished.  Let  me 
often  remember,  that  I  renounced  the  world  at  baptism. 

"  March  4.  The  sabbath  is  over.  1  preached  on  the 
stront;  man  armed  ;  and  from  I  Cor.  i.  23,  introducing  a 
homily. 

"  I  wish  my  children  could  sing  the  praises  of  God  ; 
may  their  learning  music  have  this  end  and  aim,  both  in 
themselves  and  me. 

"  March  6.  Like  the  Israelites  of  old,  I  find  myself  wan- 
dering in  the  wilderness  of  sin.  Yet,  O  my  God  !  if  thou 
art  my  sruide  and  light,  by  day  and  night,  all  will  be  well. 

**  March  7.  The  beauty  of  such  a  morning  as  this, 
should  be  an  emblem  of  the  life  of  God  in  my  soid.  What 
is  mere  animal  life  without  this  ?  Oh !  break  my  rebel- 
liouf  spirit,  and  bring  the  inner  man  into  true  subjection  to 
thee. 


40  MEMOIRS  or  THE 

"  March  10.  I  am  meditating  a  sermon,  on  drawing 
water  from  the  wells  of  salvation-  Let  me  ever  keep  it 
in  faithful  remembrance,  that  I  preach  to  my  own  heart 
first,  and  then  to  my  people's.  1  have  been  arranging  the 
different  texts  which  describe  Gospel  graces  and  promises, 
under  the  emblem  of  water.  J  must  be  more  and  more 
urgent,  in  drawing  from  the  fountain  of  God's  word. 

*'  March  12,  One  day  nearer  death  and  eternity.  Lift 
up  my  heart,  O  God !  in  earnest  prayer  for  real  blessings. 
Let  me  be  more  desirous  of  graces  than  gifts,  and  yet  re- 
member, both  are  from  thee. 

'<  March  16.  A  thick  fog  this  morning.  Is  this  the  only 
fog  ?  On  looking  over  my  diary,  I  see  much  to  lament. 
What  a  map  of  frailty  !  O  my  Redeemer,  how  shall  I  es- 
timate the  infinite  value  of  that  blood  of  thine,  which  was 
shed  for  sin.  What  are  my  time,  reading,  learning,  memo- 
ry, situation,  influence,  authority,  money,  and  other  various 
abilities,  of  mind  and  body,  but  so  many  talents  lent  me  by 
God,  of  which  I  must  speedily  render  an  account  ?  Have 
I  any  talents  for  the  ministry  ?  D<i  I  use  them  as  not  abu- 
sing them  ?  Are  they  with  a  single  eye  and  heart  conse- 
crated to  the  honour  of  God  ? 

"  March  17  J  plainly  perceive  that  the  Lord  has  per- 
mitted nie  to  suffer  a  dereliction  as  a  just -punishment  for 
too  much  carelessness  ;  but  O  !  my  Lord  Jesus,  let  me  see 
the  light  of  thy  countermnce  Fix  my  roving  wishes,  and 
nail  them  to  thy  cross  ;  and  oh !  let  me  remember  that  no 
flower  can  blow  in  Paradise,  which  is  not  transplanted 
from  Gethsemane  ;  no  one  can  taste  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree 
of  life,  that  has  not  tasted  of  the  fruits  of  the  tree  of  Calvary. 

^^  March  18.  A  <iay  of  rest.  ResJ  thou,  O  my  soul ! 
from  vanity  and  the  world  Fix  thyself  on  the  cross,  and 
there  muse  and  contemplate,  till  thou  art  filled  with  the 
theme. 

"  March  24.  I  purpose  to  preach  five  evening  lectures 
next  week,  on  the  progress,  nature,  and  extent  of  Christ's 
suffermgs  May  the  subject  animate  my  soul,  and  through 
grace  give  life  to  my  weak  faith. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  41 

'^  Lord  — — ^—  dead  !  and  tims  end  all  hopes  of  prefer- 
ment (as  it  is  called)  from  that  quarter.  How  absurd  to 
build  on  man  !  Wherever  the  Lord  designs  me  to  do  good, 
he  will  keep  or  place  me  ;  and  in  him  all  is  right,  and  as  it 
should  be. 

"  March  26.  How  many  unforeseen  events  crowd  upon 
ray  attention  ;  what  a  strange  busy  scene  is  this,  and  how 
it  strives  to  steal  the  heart  from  God  ! 

"  March  27.  I  feel  much  dissatisfied  with  myself!  Lord, 
what  am  I,  that  thou  shouldst  so  regard  me  ?  A  worm,  a 
vile  worm  of  the  dust.  I  am  to  preach  to-night  a  lecture 
on  Christ's  sufferings.     What  do  I  suffer  for  him  ? 

"  March  30.  Good-Friday.  I  bless  God  that  my  first 
act  has  been  weeping  for  thy  sorrows,  oh  my  Saviour  !" 

It  is  impossible  to  peruse  the  foregoing  extracts  without 
a  deep  conviction  of  the  sincerity  and  earnestness  of  the 
writer.  The  heart  seems  to  be  unfolded  before  us,  stripped 
of  the  illusions  of  self-love,  which  are  so  apt  to  mingle  in 
the  estimate  that  we  form  of  ourselves,  and  conscience  is 
armed  with  all  the  authority  of  a  judge,  and  pronounces  its 
impartial  verdict. 

We  see  in  his  internal  conflicts  the  struggles  between 
the  two  opposing  principles,  *  the  flesh  and  the  spirit  :" 
the  strivings  of  inward  corruption,  and  the  aspirations  of 
the  soul  towards  God.  The  feelings  of  every  renewed 
heart  will  harmonize  with  this  description  ;  though  the  ac- 
curate observer  will  not  fail  to  remark,  that  the  full  triumphs 
of  faith  and  hope  were  yet  wanting,  and  that  stability,  which 
time  and  experience  can  alone  bestow  :  for  though  the 
principle  which  renews  the  heart,  is  marked  by  circum- 
stances which  ascertain  its  reality,  its  effects  and  influences 
arc  always  progressive.  The  reader  who  is  less  fami- 
liar with  these  things,  may  karn  a  most  instructive  lesson. 
He  may  not  comprehend  the  doctrine  of  conversion — he 
may  know  nothing  of  the  conflicts  of  the  soul — nothing  of 
the  two  principles  within,  alternately  striving  for  the  mas- 
tery— nothing  of  that  jealousy  over  the  heart,  and  that  deep 


42  MEMOIRS  or  THE 

conviction  of  its  depravity,  expressed  in  the  Diary  of  Mr. 
Richmond.  Let  him  then  examine  the  fact  here  presented 
to  him  ;  a  man,  undergoing  a  visible  and  remarkable  change 
in  his  views  and  conduct,  and  his  principles  and  affections 
directed  to  high  and  holy  objects, — the  reality  of  the  prin- 
ciple attested  by  the  reality  of  its  effects,  and  inward  grace 
illustrated  by  outward  holiness.  Let  him  remember  that 
the  conversion,  so  strikingly  exhibited  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Richmond,  is  no  less  needed  by  himself — that  it  is  indis- 
pensible  to  his  admission  into  the  abodes  of  peace  and 
glory  ;  and  that  if  heaven  be  a  prepared  place  f  .r  a  prepared 
people  and  a  fitness  for  its  enjoyments  be  essential  to  their 
possession,  there  must  be  a  knowledge  of  this  principle,  an 
inward  experience  of  its  power,  and  an  outward  evidence 
of  its  existence  in  the  life,  before  we  can  have  a  well- 
grounded  assurance  of  a  happy  immortality  ;  for  the  spirit 
of  heavenly  inspiration  has  recorded,  in  characters  never  to 
be  obliterated,  "except  ye  be  converted,  ye  shall  in  nowise 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  " 

The  religion  of  Mr.  Richmond,  though  it  engaged  his 
most  earnest  and  anxious  thoughts,  had  in  it  no  tinge  of 
gloom  or  austerity.  He  was  at  all  times  cheerful  ;  and  the 
following  letter  addressed  to  his  aunt  about  this  period,  is 
an  instance  of  that  playfulness  of  humour  to  which  we  have 
before  alluded. 

^'Brading,  Feb.  lOth,  1803. 
"  My  dearest  Aunt, 

"  Being  unwilling  to  trust  mere  pen  and  paper  to 
make  excuse  for  my  long  silence,  I  have  sent  a  represen- 
tative to  do  it  for  me  ;  humbly  conceiving  that  a  shadow  of 
an  apology  would  be  best  made  by  a  shadoic  of  a  man. 
Now,  my  dear  aunt,  unsubstantial  as  a  shadow  is,  it  may 
nevertheless  be  the  means  of  creating  a  very  solid  idea  of 
the  thing  signified.  At  all  events,  it  is  better  than  nothing  ; 
more  especially  as  this  shadow  possesses  (what  other  sha- 
dows do  not)  a  stationary  faculty  ;  and  I  do  apprehend,  that 
whether  the  suo  shines  or  not,  and  whether  a  candle  be  or 


REV.    LE6H    RICHMOND.  43 

be  not  in  the  room,  the  said  shadowy  gentleman  will  not 
quit  your  fire-sido  without  leave,  if  you  think  him  worthy 
of  being  once  placed  there.  It  is  true,  that  from  the  very 
constitution  of  his  nature,  he  rather  \ooks  from  than  at  you 
— but  what  then  ?  A  man's  heart  may  look  one  way, 
whilst  his  eyes  turn  another  ;  and  I  beg  you  to  take  it  for 
granted,  that  he  is  thinking  very  much  abuut  you,  notwith- 
standing the  imperfection  of  his  bodily  frame  impedes  his 
treating  you  with  a  full  stare.  If  you  please,  you  may  fancy 
him  in  the  pulpit,  and  that  your  pew  happens  to  be  rather 
on  one  side  of  him,  which  will  fully  account  for  his  looking 
strait  forward  ;  as  imagining  that  his  admonitions  and  re- 
proof are  less  wanted  in  the  pew  on  his  right  hand,  than 
in  many  other  parts  of  the  church.  It  may,  indeed,  seem 
somewhat  strange  that  any  one,  who  has  renounced  (or  at 
least,  as  a  parson  ought  to  be  supposed  to  have  renounced,) 
all  dealings  with  the  black  art,  should  send  a  black  gentle- 
man^ as  an  ambassador  and  representative.  But  strange, 
or  not  strange,  so  it  is  ;  and  here  he  comes,  and  begs  leave 
to  say,  that  he  is  generally  considered  as  bearing  a  strong 
resemblance  to  his  master ;  upon  the  strfiny^th  of  which 
plea,  he  chiefly  hopes  for  a  favourable  reception  at  vour 
hands." 

The  following  lines  were  wiitten,  to  record  the  melan- 
choly loss  of  a  young  midshipman  and  nine  sailors,  belong- 
ing to  his  majesty's  ship  Leviathan,  who  were  unfortunately 
drowned,  not  far  from  his  residence,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
in  the  year  1804  : 


Hark  to  a  voice  that  sounds  from  ocean's  caves, 
Ye  mortals,  who  in  fanci(>d  safety  sleep ! 
They  that  in  ships  o'erpass  the  stormy  waves. 
See  and  declare  God's  wonders  in  the  deep. 

Warn'd  by  our  sudden  fate,  learn  heaven  to  prize ; 
F.arlh's  pleasures  fade,  her  riches  quickly  flee  : 
Death  in  one  awful  moment  clos'd  our  eyes, 
Thou  knowsH  not  but  the  next  may  summon  theo. 


M  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

We  add  some  further  specimens  of  his  poetical  efforts  : — 

A  BIRTH-DAY  THOUGHT. 

My  birth-day  of  nature  IVe  oftentimes  kept, 

And  rejoicM  in  the  revels  of  youth  ; 
Yet  'twas  al!  but  a  dream,  for  I  slumber'd  and  slept, 

Quite  a  stranger  to  God  and  his  truth. 

But  he  pitied  my  soul,  I  awoke  from  my  sleep, 

And  he  saved  me  in  infinite  love  : 
A  new  birth-day  my  Saviour  then  taught  me  to  keep, 

For  again  I  was  born  from  above. 

And  now  I  believe  that  the  God  of  all  peace 

Will  be  mine  till  with  age  I  am  hoary  ; 
But  if  angels  rejoiced  at  my  birth-day  of  grace, 

How  they'll  sing  on  my  birth-day  of  glory  !  L.  R. 

"  No  cloud  can  overshadow  a  true  Christian,  but  his  faith 
will  discern  a  rainbow  in  it  " — Bp.  Home. 
The  same  idea  versified  : — 

What  though  a  cloud  o'ershade  my  sight, 

Big  with  affliction's  tear  ; 
Yet  Faith,  amidst  the  drops  that  fell, 

Discerns  a  rainbow  there.  L.  R. 

Epitaph  on  the  death  of  his  own  infant  : 

This  lovely  bud,  so  young,  so  fair, 

Call'd  hence  by  early  doom, 
Just  came  to  show  how  sweet  a  flower. 

In  Paradise  would  bloom. 

By  a  reference  to  the  Diary,  it  will  be  seen  that  an  al- 
lusion was  made  to  Mr.  Richmond's  review  of  the  late 
Archdeacon  Daubeny's  VindicicB  Ecclesue  Anglicance. 
This  critique,  written  in  the  year  1804,  and  inserted  in  the 
Christian  Observer,  claims  a  just  title  to  distinction  among 
productions  of  this  class  ;  whether  we  consider  the  ability 
and  conclusiveness  of  its  reasoning,  the  extensive  acquain- 
tance that  it  manifests  with  the  writings  of  the  Reformers. 


REV.  LEOH    RICHMOND.  45 

and  with  the  genuine  principles  and  doctrines  of  the  Church 
of  England,  or  the  concihalory  spirit  in  which  it  is  written. 
Controversy  is  here  stripped  of  the  acriir»onious  spirit 
which  too  often  disgraces  its  pages ;  and  truth  is  pursued 
without  violating  the  law  of  charity. 

His  admonitions  to  those  engaged  in  controversy,  are 
thus  impressively  delivered. 

»*  What  will  it  avail  them  in  the  great  day  of  account, 
when  the  contentions,  which  now  agitate  their  minds,  shall 
sink  into  ahsolule  insignificance,  shall  he  as  if  they  had 
never  been  ? — what  will  it  then  avail  them  to  have  van- 
quished their  adversaries  by  the  superiority  of  their  pole- 
mical skill,  if,  unhappilv  imbibing  the  baneful  spirit  of  con- 
troversy, they  shall  be  found  to  have  violatt'd  that  brotherly 
love  which  forms  a  distinguishing  badge  of  the  real  fol- 
lowers of  Jesus  Christ  ?  *  Certainly,'  as  the  pious  Bishop 
Hall  has  observed,  *  God  abides  none  but  rharitable  disseur 
sions  ;  those  that  are  well  grounded,  and  w<ll  governed  : 
grounded  upon  just  causes,  and  governed  with  Christian 
charity  an<l  wise  moderation  ;  those  whi^se  beginning  is 
equity,  and  whose  end  is  peace.  If  we  must  differ,  let 
these  be  the  conditions  :  let  every  one  of  God's  ministers 
be  ambitious  of  that  praise,  which  Gregory  Nazianzen  gives 
to  Athanasius  ;  to  be  an  adamant  to  them  that  strike  him» 
and  a  loadstone  to  them  that  rliss'ut  from  him  :  the  one  not 
to  be  moved  with  wrong — the  other  to  draw  those  hearts 
which  disagree.  So  the  fruit  of  righteousness  shall  be 
sown  in  pe.ice  of  them  that  make  peace  So  the  God  of 
peace  shall  have  glory,  the  church  of  God  rest,  and  our 
souls  unspeakable  consolation  and  joy,  in  the  day  of  the 
appearing  of  our  Lord  Jesus.' " 


y>'^' 


V*. 


<^, 


i^^-NV 


46  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  V. 

His  removal  from  the  Isle  of  Wight — Temporary  con- 
nexion with  the  Lock  Hospital,  in  London ;  and  final 
settlement  at  Turvey. 

A  CHANGE  of  destination  in  the  life  of  a  minister,  is  at 
all  times  a  subject  for  grave  deliberation.  He  can  take 
no  step,  in  the  consequences  of  which,  others  are  not  deep- 
ly involved  as  well  as  himself  In  no  instance  does  he 
stand  alone  :  his  principles,^  habits,  and  conduct,  whereso- 
ever he  goes,  exercise  their  powerful  effects  on  all  around 
him  ;  and  he  is  the  star,  by  whose  genial  or  unfriendly  in- 
fluence, their  present,  as  well  as  future  destiny,  is  in  a 
great  measure  to  be  determined  It  is  this  truth  which 
constitutes  the  moral  responsibility  of  accepting  a  new  ap- 
pointment. If  the  glory  of  God,  and  conversion  of  immor- 
tal souls,  is  the  grand  object  of  which,  as  a  minister,  he  is 
never  to  I'ise  sight ;  nothing  less  than  a  deliberate  and  well- 
founded  conviction  that  this  is  the  governing  principle  of 
his  conduct,  to  which  every  other  is  subordinate,  ought  to 
determine  his  removal,  more  especially  from  a  scene  where 
his  labours  have  been  owned  and  blessed. 

So  long,,  however,  as  we  are  assured  that  "  the  Lord 
ordereth  a  good  man's  goings,"  and  "  appointeth  the  bounds 
of  his  habitation  ;"  the  indications  of  his  will,  and  the 
openings  of  his  providence,  rightly  interpreted,  will  ever 
form  the  best  guide  and  ground  for  his  determination.  It 
was  under  the  fullest  conviction  that  he  was  pursuing  the 
path  of  duty,  that  Mr  Richmond  was  induced  to  listen  to 
an  offer  of  assisting  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  in  his  laborious 
services  as  Chaplain  to  the  Lock  Hospital  in  London  ;  and 
we  shall  see,  by  the  result,  in  what  manner  his  acceptance 


REV.  LE6H  RICHMOND.  47 

of  this  appointment,  short  as  was  its  duration,  providential- 
ly led  the  way  to  all  the  subsequent  events  of  his  life.  He 
proceeded,  therefore,  to  London,  to  confer  on  the  subject 
of  this  new  arrangement,  and  preached  his  first  sermon  on 
the  following  text ;  "  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who 
of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness  and 
sanctification,  and  redemption." — 1  Cor.  \.  30. 

Some  extracts  from  letters  written  to  his  wife  at  this 
time,  previously  to  the  removal  of  his  family  from  Brading, 
will  throw  light  on  a  few  of  the  circumstances  connected 
with  this  change  of  his  residence  and  ministry. 

"London,  February  5,  1805. 
"  I  think  I  may  say,  I  am  determined  to  try  this  situation. 
The  Lord  seems  to  give  me  such  tokens  of  affection,  friend- 
ship, and  acceptableness,  amongst  the  congregation  of  the 
Lock,  and  points  out  so  many  spiritual  advantages,  though 
mingled  with  great  trials  and  temptations,  that  I  believe 
I  am  right  in  coming  to  this  decision.  On  Wednesday 
evening,  I  preached  for  Mr.  Fry.  Several  gentlemen 
spoke  to  each  of  us,  expressing  a  hope  that  I  should  under- 
take the  charge  ;  and  one  of  them  suggested  that  if  it  were 
an  object  to  me,  he  did  not  doubt  but  very  many  would 
gladly  contribute  towards  the  expenses  of  the  removal,  and 
some  increase  of  salary.  The  hint  was  kind,  whatever 
might  be  the  result.  Yesterday  morning,  Mr.  Fry  and  I 
conversed  for  a  considerable  time  together.  I  told  him  all 
ray  hbtory  and  circumstances.  He  seems  resolved  to 
omit  nothing  which  may  contribute  to  the  hopefulness  and 
comfort  of  my  arrangement :  and  I  really  think  that  it  is 
God's  will  that  I  should  repose  a  temporal  as  well  as  a 
spiritual  confidence  in  him.  I  called  yesterday  on  Mr. 
Wilberforce,  who  put  five  pounds  into  my  hand  to  go  about 
from  poor  to  poor  and  distribute.*     Blessed  commission  ! 

*  The  wisdom  of  Ibis  mode  of  doings  good,  mast  at  once  commend 
itself  to  those,  who  are  aware  of  the  circumstances  in  which  cler- 

Sjrmen  are  frequently  placed  relative  to  the  poor.     Their  parochial 
utiea  bring  to  their  notice  peculiar  cases  of  want,  which  ought  not 


48  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

I  am  to  dine  there  to-day,  and  to  take  leave  of  the  Dean  of 
Cariisle,  who  goes  to  Cambridge  to-morrow.  No  two 
men  ever  harmonized  more  sweetly  in  opinion,  views,  taste, 
judgment,  &c.  than  Mr.  Fry  and  myself.  Our  friendship 
is  forming  and  confirming,  on  the  best  grounds,  I  trust. 
You  will  judge  how  little  able  I  am  to  see  many  friends,  or 
to  do  anything  but  labour  in  my  vocation,  when  I  tell  you 
that  I  am  to  preach  twice  on  Good-Friday,  twice  on  Easter 
Sunday,  once  on  Easter  Tuesday,  and,  perhaps,  Easter 
Monday,  and  even  next  Wednesday.  You  cannot  write 
too  often  ;  the  sight  of  your  letters  cheers  and  delights  me. 
I  wish  I  could  play  on  the  ground  for  half  an  hour  with  the 
children. 

'*  Pray  believe  how  truly  and  affectionately 
"  I  am  your 

L.  Richmond. 

*^  London,  Sunday,  April  15,  1805. 
"  I  begin  a  few  hnes  to  you,  my  dearly -beloved  wife,  in 
the  interval  between  my  two  services,  and  I  can  hardly  give 
any  other  reason,  than  that  my  mind  is  worked  up  to  a  high 
state  of  agitation,  by  meditating  and  preparing  to  preach 
to-night,  from  John  v.  28,  29,  and  it  wants  a  few  minutes 
relief  The  subject  is  truly  solemn :  and  the  manner  in 
which  I  propose  to  treat  it,  will  be  very  trying  and  awful 
both  to  me  and  my  hearers.  I  preached  to  an  overflowing 
congregation,  this  morning,  from  Philip,  iii.  10  : — it  cost 
me  great  thought  and  pains ; — I  administered  the  sacra- 
ment to  near  two  hundred  persons.  I  have  been  medita- 
ting two  hours,  on  death,  judgment,  heaven   and  hell.     I 

to  be  made  public.  So  limited,  generally,  are  their  own  resources, 
that  unless  funds  are  in  this  way  put  at  their  disposal,  many  of  God's 
own  children  may  be  left  to  suffer.  It  is  the  practice  of  some 
churches,  to  put  portions  of  money  in  the  hands  of  their  Pastor,  for 
distribution  among  such  destitute  members  as  may  come  under  his 
special  notice  ;  in  addition  to  the  appropriations  which  the  Deacons 
are  expected  to  make.  Some  churches  are  too  poor  to  furnish  such 
funds.  How  proper  then,  that  the  wealthy  should  remember  and 
imitate  this  example  of  Wilbervorce.  A.  E. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  49 

fee],  that  in  the  pulpit  I  shall  either  deliver  myself  with 
very  little,  or  very  great  feeling  and  effect.  Oh !  for  a 
heart  to  feel  more  for  myself  and  others  : — what  a  poor, 
cold,  miserable  creature  I  feel  myself  to  be  ;  I  am  some- 
times constrained  to  cry  out — and  can  such  a  worthless 
being  be  saved  ?  yet  there  is  worth  in  Jesus  for  the  mosl 
worthless.  God  make  me  to  experience  fully,  the  power 
of  his  resurrection,  lest  when  1  have  preached  to  others,  I 
myself  should  become  a  cast-away.  Adieu  for  the  pre- 
sent— perhaps  I  may  add  a  few  lines  before  I  go  to  bed. 

"  Sunday  night,  ten  o'clock. — My  sermon  proved  very 
solemn,  and  brought  forth  very  copious  tears  from  many 
eyes.  I  trembled  inwardly,  whilst  I  painted  the  resurrec- 
tion and  punishment  of  condemned  souls ;  and  the  effect 
was  very  striking  on  a  very  large  and  attentive  congrega- 
tion. I  am  sitting  up  to  think  about  a  sermon  for  to-mor- 
row morning. 

"  Monday  morning,  five  o'clock. — Yesterday,  at  the  sa- 
crament, I  observed  kneeling  at  the  rails,  close  to  Mr. 
Wilberforce,  a  negro.  I  was  much  struck,  and  many  inte- 
resting associations  filled  my  mind.  I  find  also  that  it 
was  quite  accidental,  and  that  Mr.  VV.  knows  nothing  of 
him.  Last  night,  I  dwelt  on  the  meeting  of  husbands, 
wives,  parents  and  children  at  the  resurrection,  and  thought 
deeply  of  you  and  your  babes  ; — in  fact,  I  wept ;  I  saw  the 
tears  of  others  responding  with  my  own." 

While  he  was  thus  engaged  in  the  duties  and  arrange- 
ments of  his  intended  destination,  the  following  letter  will 
prove  that  in  dispensing  spiritual  instruction  to  others,  he 
was  not  unmindful  of  what  he  owed  to  one,  whose  happi- 
ness and  welfare  was  so  nearly  connected  with  his  own. 

London,  April  20,  1805. 
**  My  Dear  Wife, 

"1  really  feel  it  as  an  answer  to  very  many  prayers 
which  I  have  for,years  past  offered  up  for  you,  that  you  are 
now  seriously  thinking  on  the  all  important  subject  of  reli- 

6 


50  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

gion.  I  trust  you  will  henceforth  become  my  spiritual  mo- 
nitor and  counsellor,  my  helpmate  in  every  good  word  and 
work,  and  my  wife  indeed,  united  in  grace  as  well  as  ill 
providence.  With  respect  to  the  inward  conflicts  and 
doubts  which  you  entertain  in  your  mind,  you  must  seek 
spiritual  armour  to  fight  the  battle.  Remember,  that  if  you 
truly  desire  to  overcome  all  the  evil  tempers,  affections, 
desires  and  principles  of  your  natural  heart,  you  have  an 
ovidence  within  that  God  must  have  wrought  it,  and  thai 
lie  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  what  you  are 
able  to  bear  ;  but  will  with  the  temptation,  make  a  way  to 
escape.  With  respect  to  prayer,  I  recommend  you  to  con- 
sider th6  precept  of  '  pray  always  and  without  ceasing.' 
This  evidently  refers  to  that  perpetual  disposition  of  the 
heart  to  lift  itself  up  in  sudden,  short  ejaculatory  prayer, 
which  is  one  of  the  most  necessary  means  and  proofs  of 
grace.  It  is  this  alone  which  can  render  the  appointed 
and  regular  devotions  of  the  church,  the  family,  and  the; 
closet,  lively,  strong  and  efficacious.  Satan  will  lose  much 
of  his  strong-hold,  if  you  thus  laboriously  strive  to  obtain 
a  prayerful  frame  of  heart,  an  habitual  meditation  upon 
Christ  and  eternity,  a  frequency  of  conversing  on  sacred 
things,  and  above  all,  experimental  contemplation  and  con- 
versation. The  world  is  a  deadly  enemy  to  spiritual  at- 
tainment ;  you  cannot  too  soon  see  the  high  importance  of 
being  less  conformed  to  it,  in  all  its  vanities,  vices,  follies, 
and  unprofitable  waste  of  time,  gifts  and  talents.  The 
Christian  will  appear,  even  in  the  simplicity  of  every  pei- 
sonal  ornament.  The  dress,  the  countenance,  the  tone  of 
voice,  the  address,  will  lose  its  former  levity  ;  and  in  the 
minutest  trifles  of  common  life,  you  will  see  the  hand  of 
God  leading  to  important  events,  and  his  finger  pointing  to 
the  life  that  is  to  come.  1  have  just  been  praying  most 
earnestly,  that  God  may  carry  on  such  a  work  in  your 
heart.  The  grand  work  of  all  is  to  believe.  Tliis  is  the 
root  and  fountain  of  all  other  graces.  That  believing 
look  at  the  Saviour,  which  sees  an  interest  in  him,  or 
which  at  least  leads  to  full  conviction,  both  of  his  suffi- 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  51 

ciency  and  efficiency  to  save  our  omn  souls,  is  the  master 
work  of  God.  May  yt»u  be  fully  led  to  see  this,  and  in 
God's  own  time  to  rejoice  in  it.  Accustom  yourself  to 
talk  constantly  with  Nugent  and  Mary  on  the  substantial 
parts  of  Christianity,  and  appeal  to  those  little  instances  of 
experience  which  even  a  child  may  comprehend.  I  wrote 
to  you  yesterday,  and  hope  you  have  got  my  letter.  I  have 
tliis  instant  received  your's  of  'I'uesday.  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  leave  London  by  the  time  you  mention.  The  three 
things  which  I  have  to  settle,  if  possible,  are — the  house, 
the  furniture,  and  a  successor  ;  and  I  do  hope  another  week 
will  arrange  the  two  former.  I  only  fear  for  the  latter,  and 
this  makes  me  uneasy  ;  however,  as  I  shall  retain  the  cura- 
cy till  Christnfds,  there  is  still  tin^e  and  opportunity  ;  only, 
so  much  depends  on  a  desirable  substitute  for  the  summer, 
otherwise  ail  might  be  overthrown. 

"  Saturday  morning,  six  o'clock, — 1  went  yesterday  to 
the  hospital,  and  spent  three  hours  in  very  close  inspection 
of  the  miserable  objects  whom  it  includes.  \  have  now  re- 
solved on  taking  the  house  It  is  in  (-hester-street,  about 
a  hundred  yards  from  the  Lock  ;  it  is  surrounded  by  fields, 
has  a  very  pleasant  piospect,  charming  air,  great  retire- 
ment and  quietness,  with  a  little  garden,  a  remarkable  neat 
exterior,  and  as  peat  and  comfortable  an  interior. 

"Our  final  removal,  if  we  can  get  a  curate,  must  be  in 
the  middle  of  June.  I  am  asked,  and  have  consented  to 
preach  the  Charity  Sermon  at  Newport,  on  May  16th.  I 
must  once  more  assure  you,  that  I  shall  not  stay  a  day  lon- 
ger than  absolute  business  requires.  I  trust  our  separation 
has  been  for  the  best  and  tiiat  our  temporal  and  spiritual 
concerns,  our  views  and  resolutions,  tempers  and  prmci- 
ples,  will  all  thrive  and  prosper  for  the  better.  God  bless 
the  dear  children.  Kind  regards  to  your  fireside,  from 
your  truly  affectionate  husband, 

"  L.  Richmond." 

Mr.  Richmond's  connexion  with  the  Lock  chapel  was 
not  of  very  long  duration.     A  few  weeks  after  he  had 


52  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

been  exercising  his  ministry  in  this  place,  the  rectory  of 
Turvey,  m  Bedfordshire,  became  vacanr  by  the  death  of 
the  late  Rev.  Erasmus  Middieton,  author  of  "  Biographia 
Evangelical  Mrs  Fuller,  an  eminently  pious  lady,  was 
at  that  period  in  possession  of  the  patronage  of  this  bene- 
fice ;  and  being  desirous  of  conscientiously  fulfilling  the 
important  and  sacred  trust  committed  to  her,  she  wrote  to 
the  late  Ambrose  Serle,  Esq.,  one  of  the  commissioners  of 
the  Transport  Office,  author  ot  "  Horaa  SolitarcE,^''  and 
many  other  vahiable  works,  stating  that  as  she  was  much  in- 
debted to  him  for  the  benefit  she  had  received  from  his 
writings,  she  would  present  the  rectory  of  Turvey  to  any 
clergyman,  of  similar  sentiments  with  himself,  whom  he 
might  choose  to  refommend.  Mr.  Serle  \rho  at  that  time 
attended  the  Lock  chapel  as  his  constant  place  of  worship, 
immediately  fixed  on  Mr.  Richmond,  as  the  fittest  person 
among  hiS  clerical  friends  and  cormexions  to  fill  this  situa- 
tion. It  is,  however,  a  fact,  highly  honourable  to  hini. 
and  a  proof  of  the  purity  of  his  motives,  that  Mr.  Rich- 
mond could  with  difficulty  be  persuaded  to  accept  the  no- 
mination. To  use  the  words  of  another  truly  pious  and 
excellent  clergyman,  who  has  refused  to  exchange  a  small 
curacy  for  three  livings  successively  offered  to  him,  and 
who,  probably  from  this  circumstance,  will  be  recognised 
by  many  of  the  clerical  readers  of  this  memoir,  "  What 
can  a  man  want  who  is  useful  and  happy  ?"  And,  to  cite 
the  remark  of  another,  upon  this  truly  Christian  sentiment, 
••'  What  can  he  want  who  has  Christ  in  his  ministrations, 
and  Christ's  love  in  his  heart  ?" 

The  objection  which  Mr.  Richmond  made  to  his  accept- 
ance of  this  benefice,  was,  the  apprehension  that  he  should 
enter  a  sphere  of  much  less  usefulness  than  that  in  which 
he  was  then  engaged  An  extensive  field  now  lay  open 
before  him,  and  a  competency  was  pledged  to  him  ;  but 
the  tenure  was  uncertain.  He  dreaded,  however,  to  be 
limited  in  his  exertions  to  a  small  village  ;  not  being  aware, 
at  that  time,  that  the  population  of  Turvey  consisted  ot 
eight  or  nine  hundred  souls. 


REV.  LEGH   RICHMOND.  53 

At  length,  he  yielded  to  the  judgment  of  his  friends, 
and  entered  on  his  labours  at  Turvey.  He  was  inducted 
into  the  church  by  iiis  friend  Mr.  Fry,  on  the  30th  of  July  ; 
and,  with  his  family-  went  to  reside  at  the  parsonage,  in 
the  month  of  October  following  At  the  time  of  his  in- 
duction, he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  Mrs.  Richmond  : — 
«  Emberton,  July  30,  1805. 

''  My  dearest  Mary, 

"  I  arrived  safely,  under  divine  blessing,  at  this  good 
man's  house,  to  diimer,  yesterday.  I  have  but  a  few  mi- 
uutes,  for  a  few  lines  ;  but  I  must  send  that  few.  I  went 
to  Turvey  this  morning.  I  like  the  place — I  like  the 
house  ;  and  I  feel  disposed  to  be  well  pleased,  in  spite  of 
the  casement  windows,  which  are  veiy  good  in  their  kind. 
I  was  inducted  amidst  the  ringing  of  bells  and  congrega- 
tion of  people,  who  assembled  in  troops,  to  peep  at  the 
new  rector,  and  witness  the  ceremony  The  church  is 
very  handsome  and  commodious.  The  day  is  delightful, 
and  every  thing  appeared  to  adv  mtage  There  are  seve- 
ral conveniencies  about  the  premises.  I  shall  reserve  all 
farther  particulars,  for  conversation  on  Thursday  evening, 
when  I  hope  to  see  you.  To-morrow  I  go  to  Mr.  Big- 
gins, and  to  make  various  inquiries  at  the  rectory  ;  and  in 
the  evening,  I  preach  for  Mr.  Fry.  A  vast  many  discus- 
sions, references,  and  settlements  must  be  made  ;  and  ] 
see,  that  in  the  opinion  of  all  concerned,  several  things 
must  be  allowed  to  the  Miss  Middletons ;  but  others  also 
must  be  conceded  to  me.  A  very  gracious  interview  took 
place  between  us.  We  went  to  Bedford,  for  the  necessary 
papers  for  induction. 

"  My  first  impression  of  all  the  premises  at  Turvey, 
was  a  favourable  one ;  and  I  am  persuaded  all  may  be 
comfortable,  with  a  blessing  on  a  contented  and  satisfied 
heart. 

"  So  pray  for 
"  Your  affectionate  husband, 
"  The  Kector  of  Turvey." 

•"Kiss little  ones." 

«* 


54  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Commencement  of  his  ministerial  labours  at  Turvey — 
Former  state  of  the  parish — Plans  and  exertions  for  its 
improvement — Judicious  rules  and  regulations  of  his 
Friendly  Society — Effect  of  his  exertions — His  *  Fathers 
of  the  English  Church' — Doctrine  and  mode  of  preach- 
ing— Brief  reflections  on  controversy. 

Mr.  Richmond  commenced  his  residence  at  Turvey,  in 
October,  18U5.  But  before  we  enter  on  the  detail  of  his 
ministerial  labours  there,  it  may  be  proper  to  advert  to  the 
state  and  circumstances  of  the  parish,  previous  to  his  ap- 
pointment to  it  as  rector. 

The  village  of  Turvey  is  situated  between  the  two  towns 
ot  Bedford  and  Olney  ;  being  eight  miles  distant  from  the 
former,  and  four  from  the  latter.  Tt  was  anciently  the  re- 
sidence of  a  noble  family,  some  of  whose  warlike  ancestors 
repose  beneath  the  beautiful  and  splendid  marble  monu- 
ments which  adorn  the  chancel  of  the  church.  What 
was  once  the  mansion,  is  now  converted  into  a  farm-house. 
Having  long  ceased  to  retain  its  original  magnificence,  it 
seems,  in  its  present  form,  to  announce  the  transitory  cha- 
racter of  human  grandeur.  The  family  of  the  Mordaunts, 
subsequently  Earls  of  Peterborough,  illustrious  as  it  once 
was  in  British  history,  and  celebrated  for  its  achievements 
in  arms,  now  no  longer  exists,  having  become  extinct  in 
the  year  1814.  How  justly  may  we  apply  to  these  in- 
stances of  the  instability  of  all  earthly  dignities,  the  im- 
pressive exclamation  of  a  distinguished  judge  of  former 
days  :* — '<  And  yet  Time  hath  his  revolutions  ;  there  must 
be  a  period  and  an  end  to  all  temporal  things — an  end  of 

*  Lord  Chief  Justice  Crewe,  in  the  time  of  Charles  U^ 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  55 

names  and  dignities,  and  of  whatsoever  is  terrene.  For 
where  is  Bohun  ? — where  is  Mowbray  ? — where  is  Morti- 
mer ?  Nay,  which  is  more,  and  most  of  all,  where  is 
Plantagenet  ?  They  are  entombed  in  the  urns  and  sepul- 
chres of  mortality !" 

Previous  to  Mr.  Richmond's  incumbency,  the  village  of 
Turvey  appears  to  have  been  greatly  neglected.  The  du- 
ties of  the  church  were  irregularly  performed  ;  nor  was 
there  ever  more  than  one  service  on  the  Sabbath-day,  in 
a  population  of  at  least  800  mhabitaiits.  The  ordinances 
of  religion  were  not  respected  ;  the  minds  of  the  people 
were  grossly  ignorant,  and  their  morals  and  manners  rude 
and  disorderly.  The  Rev.  Erasmus  Middleton  was  Mr. 
Richmond's  immediate  predecessor  ;  a  man  distinguished 
both  for  his  learning  and  piety.  By  him,  the  services  of 
the  church  were  increased  ;  and  the  work  of  reformation 
was  gradually,  though  slowly,  advancing,  when  this  faithful 
minister  w;  s  prematurely  cut  oft,  in  the  midst  of  his  exer- 
tions, having  retained  his  office  only  for  the  short  period  of 
one  year. 

Mr.  Richmond  succeeded  Mr.  Middleton  ;  and  entered 
on  his  new  appointment  with  a  reputation  for  talents  and 
piety,  which  excited  a  great  interest  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  an  expectation  of  extensive  usefulness  among  his  pa- 
rishioners. The  text  of  his  first  sermon  was  taken  from 
1  Cor.  ii.  2 :  "  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing 
among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified."  From 
these  words,  he  uniformly  preached  on  every  returning 
anniversary  of  his  incumbency,  and  continued  to  do  so  till 
the  last  year  of  his  life. 

To  those  who  overlook  the  comprehensive  meaning  of 
this  passage  of  holy  Scripture,  the  text  may  seem  to  be  too 
limited  in  its  view,  and  to  restrict  the  whole  summary  oi' 
divine  truth  to  the  doctrine  of  the  Atonement,  without  a 
due  regard  to  other  important  branches  of  Christian  faith 
and  practice.  But  let  it  be  remembered,  that  the  same 
Apostle,  who  "determined  to  know  nothing  but  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified,"  avows,  also>  that  he  had  "  not 


56  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

sliunned  to  declare  all  the  counsel  of  God,"  {Acts  xx.  27  ;) 
and,  consequently,  the  passage  must  be  supposed  to  com- 
prise, within  its  ample  range,  the  full  extent  and  substance 
of  every  thing  that  is  needful  to  the  faith  and  practice  of 
the  Christian  ;  nor  is  there  a  subject,  of  doctrine  or  gf 
morals,  which  is  not  essentially  identified  with  the  doctrine 
of  the  Cross.  It  is  there  that  we  best  learn  the  malignity 
of  sin,  the  nature  and  duty  of  repentarsce,  the  character  of 
holiness,  the  motives  and  means  for  its  attainment,  and  the 
dutiful  obligation  to  "  glorify  God  with  our  bodies  and  our 
spirits,  which  are  his." 

The  following  account  of  Mr.  Richmond's  proceedings 
at  Turvey,  will  convey  to  the  readet  a  just  notion  of  his 
zeal  and  judgment,  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  his  parish. 

On  the  Sabbath-day,  there  were  two  regular  full  services  ; 
and,  in  the  evening,  a  lecture,  more  especially  designed  for 
the  young.  His  weekly  labours  consisted  of  what  he  called 
his  Tuesday-night  cottage  lecture  from  its  being  held  suc- 
cessively in  the  cottages  of  the  poor,  whom  he  assembled 
in  small  groups,  for  the  purpose  of  more  familiar  and  inte- 
rior instruction  than  could  be  usefully  or  suitably  delivered 
in  public.  On  Friday  evening,  a  lecture  was  delivered  in 
the  church,  the  prayers  for  the  evening  service  being  pre- 
viously read ;  and,  once  a  month,  he  met  the  communi- 
cants, on  the  Saturday  preceding  the  sacrament.  He  had, 
also,  a  weekly  service  at  the  work-house.  His  labours 
were  not  confined  to  public  instructions  :  like  his  divine 
Master,  "  he  went  about  doing  good."  At  the  cottages 
of  the  poor,  he  was  a  frequent  visiter  ;  fulfilling  the  apos- 
tolical injunction,  of  going  from  *'  house  to  house,"  scat- 
tering the  precious  seed,  making  himself  acquainted  with 
their  spiritual  state,  and  gathering,  from  their  answers, 
useful  hints  and  reflections  for  the  services  of  the  succeed- 
ing Sabbath. 

A  Sunday-school  had  been  established  at  Turvey  for 
many  years,  endowed  by  Charles  Higgins,  Esq.,  who  be- 
queathed 300Z.  in  support  of  the  charity.  John  Higgins, 
Esq.,  of  Turvey  Abbey,  his  nephew  and  successor,  ha.-- 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  57 

irenerously  paid  an  interest  for  the  bequest,  of  20Z.  a-year* 
The  school,  though  well  attended  before,  had  its  numbers 
considerably  increased,  and  its  regulations  greatly  improved 
by  the  new  rector.  He  appointed  a  master  of  real  piety  ; 
justly  considering,  that  on  the  principles  and  character  of 
the  teacher,  the  efficiency  and  usefulness  of  these  institu- 
tions materially  depend.  Mr.  Richmond  was  accustomed 
to  visit  the  school  previous  to  divine  service  ;  and,  for  the 
children's  benefit  chiefly,  he  engaged  in  a  third  service  in 
the  church  on  the  Sunday  evening.  Here  the  first  fruits 
of  his  ministry  appeared.  The  conversion  of  two  young 
people,  wh«»  afterward  died  in  the  faith,  followed  his  in- 
troductory address  to  children.  Mr  Richmond,  indeed, 
was  pecuharly  happy  on  these  occasions,  and  no  part  of 
his  labours  was  attended  with  a  more  striking  effect. 

Shortly  afterward,  he  established  a  FViendly  Society. 
Objections  have  not  unfrequenlly  been  made  to  societies  of 
this  description,  and  a  preference  given  to  savings-banks. 
It  must  t)e  admitted,  that  some  of  these  objections  are  not 
without  foundation.  It  has  been  said,  '*  that  the  usual  sub- 
scription of  the  members  is  insufficient  to  furnish  a  fund 
for  the  support  of  the  aged — an  insufficiency  greatly  in- 
creased by  gross  mismanagement.  That  ordinary  friendly 
societies  are  republics  of  the  worst  kind  ;  in  which  are 
found  no  men  of  talent  or  judgment,  to  control  the  dis- 
orders of  their  meetings,  which  too  often  present  scenes  of 
drunkenness,  contenticm,  and  misapplication  of  their  funds  ; 
— evils  which,  sooner  or  later,  never  fail  to  issue  in  bank- 
ruptcy. 'I'hat  a  fifth  part  of  the  funds  is  regularly  allowed 
for  liquor,  under  the  idea  of  encouraging  the  landlord,  at 
whose  house  the  subscriptions  are  usually  paid.  That  the 
8ys«tem  is  productive  of  much  immorality.  That  the  poor 
man  is  alienated  from  his  home,  and  longs  for  the  excite- 
ment of  company.  That  associations  and  habits  are  form- 
ed, which  bring  on  a  train  of  serious  evils.  That,  to  tho 
sum  allowed  from  the  club,  the  poor  man  often  adds  a  large 
part  of  his  weekly  earnings,  and,  instead  of  exercising 
prudence  and  economy,  he  wastes  his  money  in  intern 


58  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

perate  indulgence.  These  abuses  of  benefit  societies  have 
disgusted  many  persons,  and  induced  them  to  give  a  pre- 
ference to  savings  banks,  unaccorupanied  with  annual  din- 
ners and  monthly  resorts  to  the  public- house.  Admitting* 
however,  the  existence  of  these  evils,  and  without  detract- 
ing from  the  great  public  good  of  the  savings-banks,  it 
ought  to  be  remembered,  that  the  abuses  complained  of, 
form  no  just  grounds  of  excepti<m  to  friendly  societies 
conducted  on  better  principles  ;  and  that  the  savings-banks 
cannot  accomplish  the  satne  benefits,  or  in  an  equal  degree. 
Their  character  and  use  is  widely  different  from  those  of 
friendly  societies.  The  little  tradesman,  the  domestic 
servant,  the  bailiff  or  overseer  of  a  farm,  and  others  in 
similar  circumstances,  may  find  in  the  banks,  a  safe  and 
profitable  repository  for  their  savings  ;  but  the  labourer, 
especially  if  a  married  man,  has  no  inclination  to  lay  up 
the  small  sums  he  subscribes' to  a  friendly  society  ;  and 
these  sums,  if  deposited  at  the  banks  would,  in  few 
cases,  meet  his  necessities  in  sickness  and  old  age.  A 
long  illness  would  exhaust  his  deposits,  and  oblige  him  to 
throw  himself  on  his  friends  or  the  parish,  for  a  maij'.tenance  ; 
but  the  friendly  societies  are,  strictly,  insurance  com- 
panies: and  if  their  funds  be  regulated  by  a  just  rate  of  in- 
surance, without  which,  it  is  granted,  no  friendly  society 
deserves  support  — and  if  they  be  wisely  and  properly  ma- 
naged, no  institution  is  better  calculated  to  afford  the  poor 
a  comfortable  and  certain  independency. 

Mr.  Richmond,  who  was  no  mean  financier,  was  fully 
competent  to  determine  the  scale  of  subscription  ;  and  by 
his  judicious  arrangements  to  prevent  the  evils  complained 
of,  and  effectually  secure  to  the  poor  the  benefits  of  a 
friendly  society.  It  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  his  plans 
were  universally  known  ;  and  that  all  benefit  societies 
were  formed,  or  re  modelled  on  similar  principles.  For 
the  information  of  the  public,  the  following  sketch  of  the 
Turvey  club  has  been  inserted. 

The  Friendly  Society  of  Turvey,  was  composed  of  three 
divisions. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  59 

Firet,  A  club  for  children  of  both  sexes,  from  seven  to 
sixteen  years  of  age  ;  each  member  pays  one  shilHng  en- 
trance, and  a  penny  per  month  ;  and  is  allowed  in  sickness 
eighteen-pencc  per  week.  From  three  to  four  pounds  is 
the  yearly  expenditure  on  sick  members.  The  society  has 
deposited  60Z.  in  the  savings-bank,  after  twenty  years' 
duration.  Its  membei-s  have  varied  from  twenty  to  forty 
children.  At  sixteen  years  of  age  a  member  becomes 
eligible  to  the  senior  clul:s,  and  is  entitled  to  receive  half 
the  entrance  for  admission. 

Secondly,  The  club  for  women,  confined  to  persons  from 
seventeen  to  thirty-five  years  of  age.  The  entrance  is  five 
killings  ;  the  monthly  subscription  one  shilling,  or  one 
shilling  and  eight-pence,  at  the  option  of  the  members. 
Those  who  subscribe  the  larger  sum,  receive  six  shillings 
per  week  in  illness  ;  and  to  the  lesser  subscriber  is  paid 
four  shillings  weekly.  The  number  of  members  has  varied 
from  thirty  to  forty  The  average  payments  for  the  last 
twenty  years  is  20/.,  and  the  society  has  200/.  in  the 
vings-bank. 

Thirdly,  The  men^s  club,  also,  forms  a  double  class,  who 
pay  seven  shillings  and  sixpence  entrance  and  one  shil- 
ling, or  one  shilling  and  fourpence  monthly  ;  and  they  re- 
ceive eight  shillings  or  six  shillings  weekly  in  sickness. 
Their  annual  expenditure  has  been  £36,  and  their  present 
fund  amounts  to  nearly  £400.  These  clubs  have  about 
twenty  honorary  members,  who  greatly  contribute  to  the 
opulence  and  prosj)erily  of  these  institutions  ;  and  their 
!>ounty,  joined  to  the  subscriptions  of  a  constant  succes- 
lon  of  young  members,  Mr.  Richmond  considered,  on  the 
alculation  of  the  Northampton  tables,  to  be  adequate  to 
the  demands  of  the  club.  The  rules  and  regulations  of 
the  Tuney  club,  resemble,  in  most  respects,  those  of  other 
friendly  societies  ;  but  some  additions  and  amendments 
were  made  by  Mr.  Richmond,  too  important  to  be  omitted. 
First — No  persons  of  immoral  character  were  admis- 
sible, or  such  as  were  hkely  to  disgrace  the  society  by  ha- 


GO  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

bits  of  drinking,  impurity,  cursing  and  swearing,  or  other 
notorious  crimes. 

Secondly. — A  careful  superintendence  was  maintained 
over  the  members,  by  Mr.  Richmond  and  the  officers  of 
the  society.  Offenders  were  admonished  ;  and  after 
three  admonitions,  if  unreclaimed,  were  excluded  from  the 
benefits  of  the  society. 

Thirdly. — The  practice  of  assembling  the  members  of 
these  societies  at  public  houses,  and  of  spending  a  portion 
of  their  funds  in  liquor,  was  prohibited  ;  and  their  meet- 
ings were  held  in  the  vestry  of  the  church,  at  which  Mr. 
Richmond  constantly  attended.  By  this  arrangement  near- 
ly a  fifth  part  of  the  funds  was  saved,  and  the  temptations 
of  the  public  house  prevented. 

In  this,  and  indeed  in  all  other  plans  of  improvement. 
Mr.  Richmond  was  the  presiding  genius.  Every  thing 
was  conducted  under  his  eye,  and  owed  its  success  to  his 
wisdom  and  example.  He  possessed  the  happy  talent  of 
exciting  interest,  conciliating  regard  and  meeting  difficul- 
ties with  calmness  ;  he  overcame  impediments  by  a  gentle- 
ness that  disarmed  opposition,  a  judgment  that  corrected 
mistake,  and  a  temper  which  diffused  universal  harmony. 
There  was  an  openness  in  his  manner,  which  impressed  all 
with  a  conviction  of  his  sincerity,  and  prevented  a  suspi- 
cion of  his  having  any  other  motive,  than  a  wish  to  pro- 
mote the  welfare  of  his  parishioners. 

Where  he  met  with  opposition,  he  did  not  hazard  the 
failure  of  his  measures  by  indiscreetly  urging  them  ;  but 
he  rather  left  his  arguments  silently  and  gradually  to  pro- 
duce their  effect.  Circumspection  and  caution  marked 
every  part  of  his  conduct ;  his  great  aim  being  at  all  times 
to  give  no  offence  in  any  thing,  that  "  the  ministry  might 
not  be  blamed."  He  was  consistent  throughout,  in  his 
ordinary  intercourse  with  his  parishioners  ;  and  thus,  the 
energy  of  his  zeal  in  the  pulpit  was  known  not  to  be  the 
excitement  of  the  moment,  "  the  sparks  of  his  own  kind- 
ling ;"  but  the  steady  flame  of  a  Divine  spirit,  imparting 
to  others  the  sacred  glow  which  animated  his  own  bosom. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  61 

To  the  character,  example,  and  authority  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, the  members  of  these  societies  submitted  their 
judgment,  and  yielded,  for  the  most  part,  a  ready  acquies- 
cence in  his  counsels. 

Notwithstanding  the  acknowledged  excellence  of  these 
plans,  there  appears  to  the  writer  of  this  memoir,  one  im- 
portant defect.  His  societies  were  still  <»f  republican  cha- 
racter ;  and  it  was  competent  to  the  members  to  injure 
their  own  interests,  by  an  overpowering  majority.  On  one 
occasion,  this  defective  government  had  nearly  proved  fa- 
tal to  the  Turvey  club.  The  funds  had  increa  ;d  beyond 
the  expectation  of  the  members,  who,  in  a  time  of  great 
pressure,  resolved  to  appropriate  a  portion  of  them  to  the 
relief  of  llieir  necessities  ;  and  they  were  with  difficulty 
hindered  from  their  purpose,  by  his  firmness  and  personal 
influence.  This  defect  is  remedied  in  a  society  formed  at 
Emberton,  on  Mr.  Richmond's  plan.  One  of  the  rules  of 
which  provides,  that  no  proposition  shall  pass  into  a  law, 
without  the  concurrence  of  the  president  and  honorary 
members.  Mr.  Richmond  acknowledged  the  improve- 
ment upon  his  principle,  observing,  with  his  usual  frank- 
ness, "  our  good  friend  at  Emberton  has  secured  by  law, 
what  I  have  effected  by  personal  influence." 

It  is  very  desirable  that  the  rules  of  these  societies,  after 
a  time,  should  be  enrolled  according  to  act  of  parliament ; 
by  which  they  become  legal  corporations,  and  the  evil  at- 
tending the  removal  of  such  men  as  Mr.  Richmond,  is 
provided  for,  as  far,  at  least,  as  it  can  be  done,  by  bringing 
these  societies  under  the  sanction  and  protection  of  the 
law,  and  thus  enabling  the  better  informed  of  the  poor 
themselves,  to  ensure  the  proper  application  of  their  funds, 
and  control  the  sudden  impulse  of  popular  feeling. 

Mr.  Richmond's  club,  like  other  similar  institutions, 
kept  their  anniversary  ;  but  in  a  different  way,  and  with 
different  effects.  These  feasts  are  usually  held  at  the  pub- 
lic house,  and  lead  to  much  disorder.  The  feast  at  Tur- 
vey was  not  a  revel  of  riot  and  drunkenness  ;  but  a  gene- 
rous hospitality,  consistent  with  Christian  principle.     Mr. 


62  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

Richmond  invited,  on  these  occasions,  a  number  of  h\^ 
clerical  brethren,  and  other  respectahle  ladies  and  gentle- 
men in  the  neighbourhood,  who  usually  assembled  at  Tur- 
ve}',  to  the  number  of  thirty  or  forty  persons,  and  with  a 
large  concourse  of  the  villagers,  accouipanied  the  society 
to  the  church.  The  subjoined  letter  gives  a  pleasing  ac- 
count of  the  proceedings  of  the  day. 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  You  wish  me  to  give  you  some  account  of  the  anniver- 
sary of  Mr.  Richmond's  Friendly  Societies.  This  I  shall 
do  with  pleasure,  having  attended  several  of  them. 

"  He  generally  kept  the  anniversary  in  Whitsun- 
week.  You  already  know  that  Mr.  R.  has  three  Friendly 
Societies  ;  one  for  men,  a  second  for  women,  and  a  third 
for  young  persons.  Hence  it  frequently  happens,  that  the 
father  is  a  member  of  the  one,  the  mother  of  another,  and 
the  children  of  the  third.  Each  club  consists  of  the  higher 
and  middle  classes  of  parishioners,  as  well  as  of  the  poor. 
The  former  contribute,  but  do  not  share  in  the  benefit, 
while  the  latter  are  thus  more  liberally  assisted. 

"  On  the  anniversary,  all  these  clubs  go  to  church  and 
hear  a  sermon,  after  which  they  dine  together  in  the  school- 
room. As  this  is  an  important  place  on  the  occasion,  you 
must  indulge  me  with  a  moment  of  your  time,  while  I  show 
you  its  interior.  Imagine  to  yourself  a  fine,  large,  airy 
room,  with  a  lofty  ceiling,  following  the  form  of  the  roof  of 
the  building ;  the  floor  even,  and  the  walls,  as  well  as  the 
top,  beautifully  white  Every  part  of  the  room  is  orna- 
mented with  the  staves  of  the  different  members,  painted  blue. 
and  disposed  upon  the  walls,  somewhat  like  the  swords  and 
halberts  in  an  armoury.  These  are  surmounted  with  bou- 
quets and  festoons  of  flowers  in  rich  profusion  ;  for  which, 
the  'squires'  gardens  and  shrubberies  are  laid  under  such 
heavy  contributions,  that  it  needs  almost  a  year  to  replenish 
them.  Think  of  the  variety  of  flowers  and  shrubs  that  a 
village  like  Turvey  w  ould  produce  at  Whitsuntide,  and  you 
may  conclude  that  the  choicest  of  them  are  to  be  found 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND*  63 

most  tastefully  disposed  over  the  room.  One  garland  is 
suspended  from  the  centre,  and  which  is  carried  before  the 
clubs  to  the  'church,  instead  of  any  colours  In  the  centre 
of  this  garland,  which  is  in  the  form  of  a  sphere,  there  is  a 
triangle,  emblematical  of  the  three  clubs  united  in  one  ; 
and  in  the  centre  of  the  top  of  the  room  hangs  the  triangle 
of  Unity,  which  I  shall  have  occasion  to  notice  by  and  by. 
Four  tables  are  placed  round  the  room,  so  as  to  form  one. 
That  at  the  top  for  the  honorary  members,  the  clergy  and 
gentry  ;  on  the  right  are  placed  the  men,  on  the  left  the 
Women-  and  at  the  lower  table  the  children.  I  have  been 
thus  minute,  because  the  order  as  well  as  the  elegance  dis- 
played on  the  occasion,  contributes  much  to  the  good  effect 
of  the  whole.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  'squires  of  Turvey, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richmond  with  their  friends,  and  some  of 
the  neighbouring  clergy,  assemble  to  meet  the  club,  near 
the  school-rotMU  A.  long  train  of  members  of  the  different 
clubs  proceed  in  order  to  the  church,  headed  by  the  rec- 
tor ;  the  benefit  m«'mbers  all  carrying  blue  staves.  The 
same  order  is  observed  on  returning  from  church  to  the 
school-room.      A  visiter  generally  preaches  the  sermon. 

'♦  We  were  disbanded  at  the  school-room,  and  allowed 
an  hour  to  ramble  about ;  after  which  we  were  summoned 
to  dinner  by  a  bell.  Fhe  members  had  taken  their  places 
when  we  entered  the  room.  We  were  disposed  at  the  chief 
table,  and  on  a  signal  given  all  rose  up,  and  Mr.  Richmond 
said  the  grace.  The  covers  v/ere  removed,  and  we  enjoyed 
a  very  nice  dinner.  After  dinner,  the  following  grace  was 
sung  by  the  whole  company,  standing  :  — 

**  We  thank  the  Lord  for  this  our  food, 

But  more  becHune  of  Jenu^s  blood; 

Let  manoa  to  our  {luuls  he  gn^en, 

The  bread  of  life  sent  down  from  heaven." 

"  At  this  part  of  the  day,  as  many  of  the  villagers  as 
can  approach  the  doors  and  windows,  are  allowed  to  gratify 
their  curiosity  in  seeing  and  hearing  what  is  going  on.  Af- 
ter a  glass  of  wine  at  our  tables,  and  the  simpler  beverage 


64  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

of  nut-brown  ale  at  the  tables  on  our  right  and  left,  the 
steward  for  the  day  proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Richmond,  for  their  attention  to  the  interests  of  the 
club  U|)on  which,  Mr.  Richmond  rose  and  addressed 
them  at  some  length  on  the  principles  of  these  societies, 
and  he  had  recourse  to  the  triangle  before  mentioned,  on 
whose  sides  were  written,  '  P'aith,  Hope,  Charity  ;'  and 
on  crossbars,  '  Mutual  Support,  Unity,  Patience,'  &c. 
He  commented  on  these  with  his  usual  simplicity  and  piety, 
reverting  to  the  early  history  of  the  institution,  and  urging 
the  necessity  of  keeping  those  principles  steadily  in  view, 
both  in  regard  to  their  conduct  in  the  management  of  their 
society,  and  towards  each  other.  He  dwelt  also  on  the 
subject  of  the  perpetuity  of  clubs,  and  the  necessity  of  ta- 
king the  calculation  of  human  life  from  more  recent  tables, 
than  those  from  which  it  had  hitherto  been  made  ;  experi- 
ence having  proved  that  human  life  is  generally  longer  than 
had  been  supposed.  I  need  not  say  he  made  himself  un- 
derstood ;  but  I  may  say  he  gave  the  whole  discussion- 
such  an  air  of  interest,  that  all  were  delighted,  as  well  as 
improved. 

"  A  few  minutes  after  Mr.  Richmond  had  resumed  his 
seat,  the  steward  proposed  the  thanks  of  the  societies  to 
the  honorary  members,  for  their  countenance  and  support. 
When  this  had  passed,  Mr.  Grimshaw  arose  on  the  part  of 
the  honorary  members.  His  address  contained  a  strong 
appeal  to  their  moral  principles,  and  was  heard  with  much 
interest.  After  a  short  interval,  the  honourable  Mr.  Powys 
made  an  address,  in  which  he  exhibited  such  a  burst  of 
feeling  as  almost  to  prevent  utterance  for  some  moments. 
His  remarks  produced  a  more  than  ordinary  effect  on  the 
whole  assembly.  He  held  in  his  hand  a  narrative  of  a 
waterman,  who  had  plied  upon  the  river  Thames,  and  by  his 
honest  industry,  had  been  able  not  only  to  educate  several 
of  his  relatives  and  settle  them  in  the  world,  but  also  to 
leave  considerable  pecuniary  legacies  to  some  public  reli- 
gious societies.  This  book  he  presented  to  Mrs.  Rich- 
mond, with  a  reque3t  that  she  would  lend  it  to  the  raenxberf? 


REV.  LEOH    RICHMOND.  65 

ol'  tlic  club,  to  teach  them  the  blessings  of  patient  indus- 
tr}',  with  the  fear  of  God.  He  pointed  out  to  them  in  the 
waterman's  character,  his  conscientious  observance  of  the 
Sabbath,  in  his  steady  refusal  to  ply  on  the  river  on  that 
(lay. 

"  What  I  said,  I  must  leave  you  to  conjecture.  The 
happy  countenances  around  me — the  beautiful  effect  of 
the  pendant  flowers,  and  the  sweet  union  of  '  young  men 
and  maidens,  old  men  and  children,'  filled  my  mind  with 
so  many  pleasing  id<;as.  that  I  assure  you  I  could  not  con- 
tinue silent,  nor  refrain  from  contrasting  the  scenes  of 
wretchedness  I  had  witnessed  in  the  manufacturing  dis- 
tricts of  the  north,  with  the  comfort  and  tranquillity  of 
Turvey. 

*'  I  have  mentioned  to  you,  that  I  was  present  at  several 
of  these  anniversaries,  and  I  could  not  help  observing 
that  they  were  so  managed,  as  never  to  present  an  unin- 
teresting sameness.  Some  new  incident  furnished  a  plea- 
sing variety.  On  one  occasion,  the  senior  chaplain  of  Si. 
Helena  was  present.  With  a  view  to  inspire  content- 
ment amongst  the  poor,  he  drew  a  lively  contrast  between 
their  comforts  and  his  own  privations  m  that  island.  He 
told  them,  that  in  consequence  of  the  failure  of  the  regu- 
lar supplies  of  provisions,  they  were  frequently  reduced  to 
the  necessity  of  eating  salted  beef,  as  black  and  hard  as 
the  piece  of  mahogany  which  he  held  in  his  hand.  After 
describing  Buonaparte's  residence  at  Longwood,  he  pro- 
duced a  lock  of  his  hair,  which  was  handed  round  the 
tables,  and  of  course  examined  with  eager  curiosity. 

*'  Without  entering  into  further  detail.  I  would  make 
this  general  remark — that  so  much  cheerful  sobriety,  de- 
corum and  good  feeling,  were  every  where  visible,  as  to 
afford  a  lively  illustration  of  St.  Paul's  precept,  *  using 
this  world  as  not  abusing  it.' 

"  At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  Mr.  Richmond  requested 

a  part  of  the  company  to  drink  tea  with  him  at  his  own 

house.     His  conversation  was  carried  on  in  the  same  im- 

provinir  strain,  and  was  calculated  to  engage  the  attention 

7* 


66  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

of  the  younger  clergy  of  his  neighbourhood,   whom  he- 
frequently  invited  on  these  occasions. 

"  In  closing  my  letter,  one  subject  of  mournful  reflec-' 
tion  forces  itself  upon  my  mind — 'Ihese  scenes  are  passed 
away  !  our  dear  friend  is  indeed  gone  to  a  more  beauteous 
abode — a  pleasant  paradise  above  ;  but  the  vineyard  he 
has  left  may,  I  fear,  in  some  future  day.  be  overgrown  with 
weeds-  and  the  anniversary  at  Turvey  cease  to  present 
the  same  happy  fruits  to  win  our  admiration,  to  console 
and  improve  our  hearts.  Yet  many  of  the  members  of 
the  Friendly  Societies  at  Turvey,  are  members  of  Christ. 
These  will  follow  their  beloved  pastor,  their  father,  and 
their  friend,  to  that  blessed  society,  whose  members  are 
'  no  more  sick.' 

"That  you  and  I  may  be  numbered  with  them,  is  the 
sincere  wish  of  your  faithful  friend, 

"  Amos  Westoby." 

The  good  effects  of  these  societies  were  universally  felt. 
The  poor  learned  to  enjoy  hospitality  without  excess.  An 
occasional  intercourse  between  rich  and  poor,  called  forth 
affections  and  emotions  of  sympathy  and  kindness  in  the 
one,  of  respect  and  gratitude  in  the  other.  Instead  of 
the  usual  scenes  at  such  meetings,  a  cheerfulness  and  de- 
corum without  constraint  prevailed,  and  a  respect  for  re- 
ligion gave  a  sacred  character  to  the  whole.  It  is  re- 
markable, that  for  twenty  anniversaries,  though  an  instance 
or  two  might  be  selected,  of  persons  retiring  from  the 
meeting  to  a  public-house,  not  a  single  instance  of  intem- 
perance occurred  at  the  school-room.  Another  good 
effect  of  these  societies  was  strikingly  exemplified  in  the 
improvement  of  the  female  character.  A  lamentable  de- 
parture from  propriety  previous  to  marriage,  was  general, 
before  the  establishment  of  these  societies  ;  afterward, 
however,  it  was  a  rare  occurrence. 

As  might  be  expected,  his  exertions  on  the  week  day 
contributed,  in  no  small  degree,  to  give  effect  to  Mr. 
Richmond's  ministry,  and  attach  the  people  to  it.     The 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  67 

church  ^vas  numerously  attended  ;  the  sabbath  became  a 
hallowed  day,  and  its  approach  was  anticipated  with  lively 
expectation.  The  Gospel  was  preached  with  fidelity,  and 
heard  with  deep  and  solemn  interest.  Many  were  awa- 
kened from  a  state  of  insensibility  and  thoughtlessness,  to  a 
just  estimation  of  the  truths  which  they  heard  from  their 
beloved  pastor.  Instances  were  not  wanting,  of  sound 
and  solid  conversion  ;  and  even  those  who  received  little 
spiritual  benefit,  learned  to  treat  reHgion  with  respect,  and 
began  to  exhibit  a  decency  of  deportment.  Vice  did  not 
lift  up  the  head  with  its  wonted  effrontery,  nor  was  sin 
committed  with  the  same  fearless  unconcern 

Another  circumstance  in  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, deserves  the  particular  attention  of  the  reader  ; 
we  mean  the  examination  of  candidates  for  the  com- 
munion. It  has  often  been  objected  to  the  Church  of 
England,  that  her  ministers  admit  to  the  LiOrd's  Supper 
indiscriminately,  and  without  due  regard  to  the  principles 
and  character  of  the  communicants.  'J'he  charge  cannot 
apply  to  a  consistent  minister  of  the  Established  Church. 
He  is  empowered,  nay,  required,  by  the  instructions  of 
that  church,  to  put  in  force  her  discipline— to  examine,  to 
reject,  or  admit  at  his  own  discretion  ;  subject,  indeed,  as 
it  ought  to  be,  to  the  approval  of  his  superior. 

Mr.  Richmond,  as  a  faithful  son  of  the  church,  and  a 
no  less  faithful  minister  of  the  Gospeh  endeavoured  to 
carry  into  effect  the  requirements  of  the  Rubric,  and  the 
directions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  :  1  Cor,  v.  7,  &c.  ;  xi. 
28.  The  person  proposing  himself  for  the  communion, 
was  examined,  and  a  year  of  probation  was  recommended 
to  him  for  the  trial  of  his  sincerity,  and  the  manifestation 
of  it  by  a  consistent  and  virtuous  conversation.  Perhaps 
there  were  few  communions  which  exhibited  a  more  satis- 
factory piety  ;  and  the  attendants  at  the  sacrament  were, 
for  the  most  part,  the  fruits  of  his  own  ministry,  and  the 
dearest  objects  of  his  heart :  he  was  regarded  by  them  as 
a  father  ;  they  consulted  him  on  all  occasions,  and  received 
advice  aad  sympathy  in  all  their  affairs,  both  temporal  and 


68 


MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


spiritual.  At  once  respected  and  beloved  by  "  the  chil- 
dren which  God  had  given  him,"  he,  in  return,  watched 
over  them  with  anxiety,  prayed  for  them  with  earnestness, 
instructed  them  with  diligence,  ruled  them  with  mildness, 
jind  regarded  them  with  the  affection  of  an  apostle  :  "  for 
now  we  live,  if  ye  stand  fast  in  the  Lord." — 1  Thess  iii.  8. 

While  Mr  Richmond  was  thus  fulfilling  the  duties  of  an 
active  and  laborious  parish  priest,  he  commenced  a  work, 
which  justly  entitles  him  to  the  gratitude  of  present  and 
succeeding  generations.  We  allude  to  the  '  Fathers  of 
the  English  Church,'  a  publication  containing  copious  and 
impartial  selections  from  the  writings  of  our  Reformers^ 
and  comprising  a  valuable  mass  of  theological  knowledge, 
illustrative  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation.  Nothing 
of  the  kind  had  ever  been  attempted,  and  perhaps,  few 
modern  divines  possessed  the  requisite  means  of  infor- 
mation. 

The  circumstance  to  which  Mr.  Richmond  was  indebted 
for  his  superiority  on  this  subject,  is  singular,  and  deserves 
insertion.  While  he  resided  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and 
shortly  after  his  perusal  of  '  Wilberforce's  Practical  View,' 
which  had  effected  so  striking  a  change  in  his  own  senti- 
ments and  character,  a  grocer  at  Newport  ^ent  him  some 
trifling  article  wrapped  up  in  a  leaf  of  Bishop  Jewell's 
Apology.  His  attention  was  directed  to  the  wrapper  by 
one  of  his  family,  who  jocosely  remarked,  '<  this  looks  as 
if  it  would  suit  you,  Legh."  He  read  the  leaf,  and  instantly 
set  off  for  Newport,  to  inquire  after  the  remaining  pages. 
The  grocer,  smiling  at  the  anxiety  of  his  clerical  customer, 
replied,  "  O  yes,  Sir,  here  they  are,  and  1  have  a  whole 
hogshead  of  these  worthies  ;  they  are  much  at  your  ser- 
vice, for  two-pence  a  pound."  The  treasure  was  speedily 
and  joyfully  secured  ;  and  to  this  incident,  trivial  as  it  may 
appear,  Mr.  Richmond  owed  his  extensive  and  profound 
acquaintance  with  the  authors  of  the  Reformation. 

It  is,  indeed,  a  humiliating  consideration,  that  works 
like  these  should  lose  the  veneration  of  posterity,  and  be 
treated  with  the  contempt  due  only  to  the  meanest  pro- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  69 

ductions  of  the  day.  It  was  an  honour  reserved  for  Mr. 
Richmond,  to  draw  from  obscurity  the  writings  of  those 
eminent  men,  who  had  shaken  empires  by  their  discus- 
sions, overthrown  systems  whicli  centuries  had  struggled 
to  uphold,  and  seahng  their  testimony  with  their  blood, 
bequeathed  a  sacred  legacy  of  pure  doctrine  to  the  Pro- 
testant church. 

At  the  urgent  and  repeated  entreaties  of  a  large  body 
of  the  clergy,  Mr.  Richmond  consented  to  lay  before  the 
public  a  prospectus  of  his  plan,  about  the  year  1806  ;  and 
shortly  after,  he  published  the  work  itself  in  numbers, 
which  was  completed  in  eight  volumes.  It  was  favourably 
received,  and  is  allowed  to  be  executed  with  much  judg- 
ment and  impartiality.  On  the  whole,  the  selection  is 
rich  and  appropriate — presenting  a  perfect  uniformity  of 
sentiment  in  the  great  essentials  of  Christianity  ;  and  if 
compared  with  the  writings  of  many  modern  divines,  de- 
tecting in  those  writings  a  mournful  departure  from  the 
truth.  Some  parts  of  the  selection  mijrht,  perhaps,,  have 
been  omitted,  without  injury  to  the  cause  of  vital  religion ; 
and  other  extracts  added,  which  w  »uld  have  increased  the 
value  of  the  publication  The  candid  reader  will  allow 
for  these  defects,  and  duly  appreciate  what  has  been  ac- 
complished. It  is  only  wonderful,  that  amidst  incessant 
parochial  labour,  when  it  was  diffir.nlt  to  find  moments 
unemployed  or  spiiits  unexhausted.  Mr  Richmond  should 
have  been  able  to  bring  together  so  much  valuable  material 
with  credit  to  himself  and  advant^ige  to  the  church  of  God. 
A  man  less  devoted  would  have  shrunk  from  the  task,  or 
have  failed  in  its  execution  But  the  :i|>ostle's  command 
was  Legh  Richmond's  motto  throusrh  life  ;  "  give  thyself 
wholly  to  them."  His  heart  was  in  his  work  :  he  turned 
for  relaxation  to  his  employment,  and  found  refreshment  in 
ita  variety. 

From  this  brief  mention  of  the  *  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,'  we  are  naturally  led  to  the  consideration  of  the 
doctrines  in  that  work,  to  which  Mr.  Richmond  attached 


70  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

SO  much  importance,  and  which  furnished  the  leading  to- 
pics of  his  own  ministry. 

He  has  often  been  heard  to  declare,  "  that  two  great 
subjects  pervaded  the  Bible — sin,  and  salvation  from  sin  ; 
and  that  these  ought  to  form  the  basis  of  the  Christian  mi- 
nistry." 

In  his  addresses  from  the  pulpit  he  never  failed  to  point 
out,  distinctly  and  forcibly,  mans  ruin  by  the  fall — his 
condemnation  under  the  law,  and  his  moral  inalnlity  to  deli- 
ver himself  by  any  'power  or  strength  of  his  own. —  Free 
and  full  justif  cation,  through  faith  in  the  atoning  blood 
and  righteousness  of  the  Redeemer — the  naure  of  thai 
faith,  and  its  fruits  and  evidences, — tlie  agency  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  in  the  regeneration  and  sanctif  cation  of  be- 
lievers ; — and  the  necessity  of  personal  righteousness,  or  a 
conformity  of  heart  and  life  with  the  irord  of  God — not  as 
the  title  to  heaven,  but  as  a  meetness  for  its  enjoyment. 
These  are  fundamental  doctrines,  in  which  all  true  Chris- 
tians, without  distinction  of  sect  or  party,  cordially  unite. 
They  have  been  the  food  of  the  church  of  God  m  all  ages — 
the  manna  which  has  sustained  her  children  in  the  many 
and  diversified  scenes  of  human  trial  and  mfirmity  ;  they 
have  been  the  sontr  of  their  pilgrimage  :  their  joy  in  tri- 
bulation ;  their  light  in  darkness,  and  their  guide  to  life 
and  immoriahty 

Jn  addition  to  the  above-mentioned  doctrines.  Mr.  Rich- 
mond adopted  the  view.*  which  are  commonly  called  Cal- 
vir)istic  ;  but  nut  in  that  offensive  sense  in  which  they  arc 
frequently,  though  most  erroneously  imputed.  It  is  not 
the  intention  of  the  editor  to  enter  here  on  the  Calvinistic 
controversy  :  this  is  neither  the  time  nor  the  place  for  such 
a  discussion.  He  may  offer  a  still  better  reason  for  his 
silence — the  conviction  which  he  has  long  entertained, 
that  the  real  question  at  issue,  and  the  one  in  which  the 
interests  of  true  religion  are  moai  concerned,  is  not,  whe- 
ther the  Ai  tides  of  our  Church,  anH  the  sentiments  (»f  the 
Reformers,  be  more  or  less  Calvinistic  ;  but  whether  we 
spiritually  understand,  and  cordially  embrace  those  fundn- 


REV.    lEGH   RICHMOND.  71 

mental  principles,  the  belief  of  which  is  indispensable  to 
salvation,  and  the  well-being  of  every  ('hrisiian  community. 

These  principles  are  stated,  with  admirable  precision, 
and  strict  adherence  both  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the 
Scriptures,  in  the  9th,  10th,  Uth,  12ih  and  13th  Articles 
of  the  Church  of  England  ;  and  must  ever  entitle  her  to 
rank  among  the  purest  of  the  reformed  churches.  Satisfied 
with  the  principles  there  laid  down,  we  may  safely  allow  a 
latitude  of  interpretation  on  points  which,  though  deemed 
important  by  some,  are  not  maintained  by  any  to  be  essen- 
tial to  salvation 

The  following  analysis  of  Mr  Richmond's  mode  of 
preaching,  is  submitted  to  the  candid  consideration  of 
those  persons  who  have  fostered  prejudices  founded  on 
error  and  misrepresentation  ; — prejudices  not  wholly  un- 
accompanied by  a  very  culpable  ignorance,  and  which  cha- 
rity and  truth  must  alike  lament  anJ  condemn. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  scriptural — experimental — j*^^^- 
tical — comprehensive — powerful  in  his  appeals  to  the  con- 
sdencCf  and  addresses  to  the  heart— full  of  pathos  and  in- 
terest. 

1 .  He  was  scriptural.  A  rich  vein  of  divine  truth  was 
diffused  through  his  sermons,  arising  from  a  frequent  pe- 
rusal of  the  Bible,  and  a  familiar  acquaintance  with  every 
part  of  it.  No  man  can  become  a  sound  and  enlightened 
divine,  who  does  not  give  his  days  and  nights  to  the  study 
of  the  Word  of  God,  accompanied  by  prayer  and  medita- 
tion. The  connexion  of  solid  piety  with  an  intimate  know- 
ledge of  the  Scriptures,  is  indissoluble.  This  forms,  in- 
deed, the  manual  of  every  Christian,  but  belongs  in  a  more 
especial  manner  to  the  minister  of  the  sanctuary.  It  is 
the  armoury  whence  he  must  draw  all  his  weapons  ; — it  is 
the  treasury  whence  he  is  to  be  supplied  with  every  motive 
and  every  argument  which,  through  the  grace  and  power 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  can  fix  conviction  on  the  mind,  rouse 
the  torpid  conscience,  excite  the  affections  of  the  heart, 
and  elevate  the  soul  to  God.  It  is  the  sceptre  of  righteous- 
ness by  which  he  rules  and  guides  the  flock  ; — the  rod 


OF  THE 

and  stafi'  of  their  support,  m  the  dark  \-alley  and  shadow 
of  death  ;  and  by  it  they  are  taught  the  new  song,  which 
will  animate  their  praises  in  the  land  of  their  inheritance — 
•»  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  tiiat  was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and 
riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
and  blessing,  fur  ever  and  ever.     Amen." 

Such  was  tJie  mo<lel  on  which  Mr.  Richmond  tbrmed 
his  ministr).  He  did  not,  like  the  polished  but  tlinisy  es- 
sayist in  divinity,  select  a  motto  to  head  a  discourse,  vague 
and  unappropriate  ; — iwr  did  he  encumber  his  expositions 
with  an  lumocessary  parade  of  human  learning  ;  nor  seek 
to  attract  admiration  by  ingenious  subtleties,  or  wrest  the 
Scripture  to  subserve  a  svstem  He  regarded  his  office  as 
being  that  of  an  interprder ;  and  his  aim  was.  with  simpli- 
city and  plainness,  to  unfold  the  mind  of  God  in  his  word ; 
'^  rightly  dividing  the  word  ot  truth,  and  giving  to  each 
their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season. '' 

2.  He  teas  experimental.  Divine  trutli,  from  his  lips, 
was  not  a  cold,  si>eculative  statement.  He  declared. 
«'  that  which  he  had  seen,  and  heard,  and  tasted,  of  the 
word  of  life."  From  the  heart  he  preached  to  the  heart. 
and  seemed  to  enter  into  all  its  secret  recesses.  He  de- 
tected the  illusions  by  which  it  is  beguiled — he  traced  hu- 
man action  to  its  hidden  s|)rings — he  accompanied  the  soul 
in  the  alternations  of  doubt  and  hope,  of  fear  and  joy,  in 
its  conflicts  with  despair  and  unbelief;  till,  led  to  the  foot 
of  tJie  cross,  it  found  peace  with  God. 

3.  He  teas  practical.  He  did  not  preach  doctrine  with- 
out practice,  nor  practice  without  doctrine ;  but  both  in 
due  proportion,  in  their  mutual  dependence,  connexion,  and 
use.  He  connected  precept  with  promise,  and  privilege 
with  duty.  As  a  spiritual  workman,  he  considered  the 
doctrines  to  be  his  tools,  and  practice  the  effect  to  be 
wrought  out  by  them  ;  adopting  the  sentiment  of  one  of 
his  tavourite  Reformers—**  truly  it  is  said.  *  without  Iioli- 
ness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  ;'  but  this  I  know,  witliout 
the  Lord,  no  man  shall  see  holiness." 

4.  He  ttas  comprehensive.     Christianity,  in  his  mode  oi 


REV.  tEOH  RICHMOND.  73 

eAliibitiug  it>  was  a  grauil  and  comprehensive  whole ;  while 
the  symmetry  of  the  sovoral  parts  was  faithfully  preserved. 
All  tlie  doctrines  and  all  the  precepts, — all  tlio  promises, 
and  all  tlio  characters  to  whom  tlioy  are  made — all  the  pri- 
vileges and  all  the  duties,  were,  in  turn,  tlie  theme  of  his 
discourses.  Of  the  doctrines,  even  tlio  hij^hest,  he  would 
say,  *'  I  dare  not  omit  what  God  has  revealed  to  his  church ; 
nor  call  that  useless  or  dant^orous,  which  he  requires  mo  to 
believe  and  teach."  Of  the  privileges  and  pi-omisos— 
"  Human  weakness  needs  encouragement ;  it  can  stiuui  no 
longer  tlian  it  is  supported — it  cm\  only  climb  by  clinging." 
Of  the  duties  and  prwepts — '•  While  tlie  apostle  charges 
me  constantly  to  aihrin,  tliat  thosi^  who  have  believe<l  be 
careful  to  maintain  good  works,  my  good  people  must  allow 
me  lo  stir  up  their  pure  minds  in  the  way  of  remembrance." 

The  well  iulbnued  reader  will  easily  discern  the  old  di- 
vine in  these  sentiments.  The  highest  Calvinist,  in  former 
days,  took  iu  the  whole  range  of  Christian  faith  and  prac- 
tice. Usher  and  others  of  the  supralapsariun  school,  are 
as  minute  and  particular  in  explaining  and  enforcing  die 
law,  in  all  its  ramifications,  as  tliey  were  full  and  glowing 
in  setting  forth  the  grace  of  the  CJospel  ;  and  insisted  as 
strenuously  on  the  necessity  and  importance  of  good  works, 
as  tlie  lowest  Arminian. 

5.  Ue  was  imprctnipe  in  hia  appeals  to  the  heart  and 
cmuakmce.  No  man  better  understood  that  part  of  a  dis- 
coom  which  coasists  in  the  application.  Some  preachera 
are  very  deiicient  in  this  respect ;  either  wholly  omitting 
to  apply  their  subject,  or  fur  tlie  most  part  failing  in  dis- 
crimination. A  discourse,  to  be  profitublet  must  come 
home  to  our  own  case. 

Mr.  Richmond,  in  appealing  to  his  hearers,  was  faithful, 
-o.irchiri'i,  forcible,  and  impressive.  ♦♦  He  reproved,  rebu- 
I.  with  all  long-sunbring  and  doctrine  ;"  but  his 
were  accompanied  by  the  most  Aifecting  dis- 
plays of  the  mercy,  power,  and  grace  of  God  in  the  Gos- 
pel ;  and  while  his  own  oxporionco  of  the  truths  lie  utter- 
ed, L'ave  an  authority  and  efficacy  to  his  words,  God  put  his 


74  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

seal  to    the  testimony,   and   crowned  his  labours   witli 
success. 

In  presenting  this  delineation  of  Mr.  Richmond's  mode 
of  preaching,  the  editor  feels  there  would  yet  be  something 
wanting,  to  give  its  complete  character,  if  it  were  not 
stated  more  specifically,  that  the  Saviour,  in  his  various 
offices  of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  was  the  grand  theme 
of  Mr.  Richmond's  ministrations.  His  excellence,  like 
that  of  a  skilful  painter,  consisted  in  so  arranging  all  the 
subordinate  parts  of  his  picture,  as  to  give  due  prominence 
and  effect  to  the  principal  figure.  Christ  Jesus  was  the 
soul  of  all  his  discourses ;  and  every  precept,  every  pro- 
mise, derived  its  force  and  value  from  its  bearing  and  re- 
lation to  Him. 

A  style  of  preaching  hke  this,  must  be  allowed  to  be  sin- 
gularly useful,  combining  all  that  is  important  and  requisite 
in  a  Christian  preacher.  His  ministry  possessed  two  pe- 
culiar excellencies, — it  was  too  practical  to  make  an  Anti- 
nomian,  and  too  doctrinal  to  make  the  mere  moralist.  An- 
tinomianism  may  indeed  exist,  notwithstanding  the  utmost 
precaution  of  the  preacher  ;  and  a  dependence  on  our  own 
works  is  interwoven  with  the  very  frame  of  our  corrupt 
nature  ;  but  a  minister  is  only  then  culpable,  when  his 
mode  of  preaching  has  a  direct  tendency  to  produce  either 
the  one  or  the  other.  No  man  was  ever  more  free  from 
both  these  defects,  as  a  preacher,  nor  any  congregation 
more  exempt  than  his  own  from  these  pernicious  errors. 
In  that  important  branch  of  Christian  theology  relating  to 
faith  and  works ,  where  some  preachers  are  most  confused, 
he  was  most  clear  and  scriptural.  He  laid  the  foundation 
in  Christ  alone,  and  in  faith  in  his  name  ; — a  faith  which 
was  the  gift  of  God,  and  the  woik  of  his  Spirit ;  living, 
energetic,  fruitful  and  holy  ; — not  the  cause,  but  the  instru- 
ment of  salvation  ;  and  he  taught,  that  good  works  were 
themselves  the  subjects  of  promise  {Mich.  vii.  19  ;)  the  ne- 
cessary fruits  and  evidences  of  faith,  but  not  the  meritori- 
ous conditions,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  the  divine  favour. 
It  may  be  thought,  that  where  the  necessity  of  faith  and 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  75 

good  works  is  equally  admitted,  distinctions  of  this  kind 
need  not  be  pressed  with  so  much  earnestness  ;  but  it  will 
be  found,  that  the  right  understanding  of  these  distinctions 
involves  the  most  important  consequences.  It  is  not  a  mat- 
ter of  small  moment,  whether  we  put  cause  for  effect,  or 
attribute  to  our  own  imperfect  services,  that  salvation, 
which  is  the  result  of  God's  free  grace  in  Christ  Jesus.  So 
far  as  our  own  doings  enter  into  the  meritorious  grounds 
of  our  acceptance,  they  destroy  the  character  of  the  Gos- 
pel ^s  a  dispensation  of  gratuitous  mercy.  "  If  by  grace, 
then  is  it  no  more  of  works  ;  otherwise,  grace  is  no  more 
grace.  But  if  it  be  of  works,  then  it  is  no  more  grace  ; 
otherwise,  work  is  no  more  work." — Rom.  xi.  6.  It  has 
I>een  said,  that  the  poor,  who  constitute  the  larger  part  of  a 
<:ongregation,  are  unable  to  comprehend  these  theological 
subtleties,  which  ought  not,  therefore,  to  form  a  part  of 
ministerial  instruction.  We  cannot  better  meet  this  ob- 
jection, than  by  a  reference  to  the  sentiments  of  Bishop 
Horsely  : — "  Pray  earnestly  to  God  to  assist  the  ministra- 
tion of  the  word,  by  the  secret  influence  of  liis  Holy 
Spirit,  on  the  minds  of  your  hearers  ;  and,  nothing  doubt- 
ing that  your  prayers  are  heard,  however  mean  and  illifC' 
rate  the  congregation  may  be,  in  which  you  exercise  your 
sacred  functions,  fear  not  to  set  before  them  the  whole 
counsel  of  God.  Open  the  whole  of  your  message  without 
reservaiion  ;  that  every  one  of  you  may  have  confidence  to 
say,  when  he  shall  be  called  upon  to  give  an  account  of 
his  stewardship,  •  Lord,  I  have  not  hid  thy  righteousness 
within  my  heart ;  I  have  not  concealed  thy  loving-kindness 
and  truth  from  the  great  congregation.'  "  We  will  merely 
add  to  this  testimony,  that  the  doctrines  of  grace  are  ofEen 
better  understood  by  the  poor  and  illiterate,  than  by  the 
rich  and  the  wise.  "  I  thank  thee>  O  Father,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from 
the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes." 
— MaU.  xi.  25.  The  cross  of  Christ,  which  is  declared 
to  be,  **  to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  to  the  Greeks, 
ibolishneaB,"  is  to  them  that  believe  "  the  power  of  God, 


70  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

and  the  wisdom  of  God." — 1  Cor.  i.  24.  The  reception 
of  divine  truth  demands  not  Imman  learning,  but  poverty 
and  humiUation  of  spirit  The  learned  are  required  to  be- 
come as  fools,  and  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven  as  a 
little  child.  While  to  learning  is  reserved  the  honour  of 
defending  the  outworks  of  religion  ;  it  is  the  happy  privi- 
lege of  none  but  the  meek  and  lowly,  whether  learned  or 
unlearned,  wise  or  ignorant,  rich  or  poor,  to  enter  in  and 
be  saved. 

After  these  extended  remarks  on  Mr.  Richmond's  mode 
of  preaching,  which  the  importance  of  the  subject  seems 
to  justify,  we  may  now  be  permitted  to  ask,  whence  are 
we  to  account  for  that  prevalent  disposition  to  represent 
ministers  of  Mr.  Richmond's  sentiments  as  preaching 
about  nothing  but  exterminating  decrees,  predestination, 
election,  and  reprobation  ;  and  incessantly  occupied  in 
proclaiming  doctrines  without  practice,  a  God  without 
love,  and  a  faith  without  morality  ?  Surely,  it  is  time  to 
awake  from  this  illusion,  which  first  creates  a  phantom, 
then  combats  it,  and  afterward  gains  an  imaginary  triumph 
over  a  no  less  imaginary  opponent.  Men  should  not  be 
charged  with  consequences  which  they  disavow  ;  much 
less  be  accused  at  one  moment  of  relaxing  all  the  obliga- 
tions of  moral  virtue,  and  at  the  next  of  enforcing  them 
beyond  the  bounds  of  reasonable  strictness.  If,  by  the 
above  language,  it  is  meant  to  attach  the  charge  of  higlt 
Calvinism  to  that  portion  of  the  clergy,  who  are  here  in- 
tended to  be  specified,  high  Calvinism  is  most  unequivo- 
cally not  the  prevailing  creed  of  those  to  whom  the  term  is 
often  so  indiscriminately  and  ignorantly  applied.  Many 
are*  known  to  disclaim  the  title  of  Calvinist  altogether. 
Few,  very  few  are  disposed  ^o  climb  its  Alpine  heights  ; 
and  the  general  persuasion  seems  to  be,  that  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  doctrinal  articles  of  our  church,  there  is  a 
sufficient  approximation  of  sentiment  to  prove  a  resem- 
blance to  the  views  of  Calvin,  and  yet  a  sufficient  distinc- 
tion to  show  that  there  is  not  an  identity.  Party  names  of 
any  kind  are  highly  objectionable  and  offensive  in  a  cause 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  77 

SO  sacred  as  that  of  religion,  because  they  seem  to  give  to 
erring  man  the  honour  and  pro-eminence  that  belongs  to 
God  alone.  *'  Be  not  ye  called  Rabbi,  for  one  is  your 
Master,  even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren  :  Call  no  man 
your  father  upon  the  earth,  for  one  is  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven  :  Neither  be  ye  called  masters,  for  one  is  your 
Master,  even  Christ."  ^latt.  xxiii.  8 — 10. 

But  if  a  term  be  employed  to  designate  the  religious 
creed  of  the  clergy  in  question,  that  of  modified  Calvinism 
is,  perhaps,  the  most  appropriate.  They  conceive  the  Re- 
formers, in  tlie  composition  of  the  articles,  to  have  disco- 
vered that  happy  medium  of  doctrine,  which  is  free  from 
objectionable  extremes,  which  gives  to  grace  its  freeness, 
and  to  man  the  responsibility  belonging  to  a  moral  agent; 
and  while  it  ascribes  to  God  all  the  glory  of  salvation, 
charges  the  sinner  with  the  guilt  of  his  own  condemnation. 
The  sentiments  of  that  distinguished  prelate.  Bishop 
Ilorseley,  whom  we  have  already  quoted,  are,  on  this  sub- 
ject, entitled  to  notice.  "  It  has  been  the  fashion,"  he  re- 
marks, "  of  late,  to  talk  of  Arminianism  as  the  system  of 
the  Church  of  England,  and  of  Calvinism  as  something 
opposite  to  it,  to  which  the  church  is  hostile.  That  I  may 
not  be  misunderstood  in  what  I  have  said,  or  may  have 
occasion  farther  to  say  upon  this  subject,  I  must  here  de- 
clare, that  I  use  the  words  Arminianism  and  Calvinism 
in  that  restricted  sense  in  which  they  are  generally  taken, 
— to  denote  the  doctrinal  part  of  each  system,  as  uncon- 
nected with  the  principles  either  of  Arminians  or  Calvin- 
ists,  upon  church  discipline  and  church  government.  This 
being  premised,  I  assert,  what  I  have  often  before  asserted, 
and  by  God's  grace  I  will  persist  in  the  assertion  to  my  dying 
day,  that  so  far  is  it  from  the  truth,  that  the  Church  of  England 
is  decidedly  Arminian,  and  hostile  to  Calvinism,  that  the  truth 
is  this — that  upon  the  principal  points  in  dispute  between 
the  Arminians  and  the  Calvinists — upon  all  the  points  of 
doctrine  characteristic  of  the  two  sects,  the  Cliurch  of 
England  maintains  an  absolute  neutrality  ;  her  articles  ex* 
plicitly  assert  nothing  but  what  is  believed  both  by  Armi- 
8* 


78  MEMOIRS    OF    THK 

nians  and  Calvinists.  The  Calvinists,  indeed,  hold  sonn 
opinions  relative  to  the  same  points,  which  the  Church  ol' 
England  has  not  gone  the  length  of  asserting  in  her  articles  ; 
but  neither  has  she  gone  the  length  of  explicitly  contradict- 
ing those  opinions  ;  insomuch,  that  there  is  nothing  to  hin- 
der the  Arminian  and  the  highest  supralapsarian  Calvinist 
from  walking  together  in  the  Church  of  England  and  Ire- 
land as  friends  and  brothers,  if  they  both  approve  the  dis- 
cipline of  the  church,  and  both  are  willing  to  submit  to  it. 
Her  discipline  has  been  approved — ^it  has  been  submitted 
to — it  has  been  in  former  times  most  ably  and  zealously  de- 
fended by  the  highest  supralapsarian  Calvinists.  Such 
was  the  great  Usher  ;  such  was  Whitgift  ;  such  were  many 
more  ; — burning  and  shining  lights  of  our  church  in  her 
early  days  (when  first  she  shook  off  the  papal  tyranny,) 
long  since  gone  to  the  resting  place  of  the  spirits  of  the 
just." 

If,  by  the  charge  of  holding  a  faith  without  morality,  it 
is  intended  to  arraign  the  doctrine  of  justification  by  faith, 
are  those  who  make  this  charge  aware  that  they  are  im- 
pugning one  of  the  articles  of  their  own  church,  whicJi 
expressly  asserts  this  doctrine  ? — That  it  is  illustrated  at 
large,  as  we  have  already  proved,  in  the  book  of  Homilies  ? 
— That  it  forms  a  characteristic  ground  of  distinction  be- 
tween the  Protestant  and  Romish  churches ;  and  is  one  oi' 
the  fundamental  principles  of  Christianity  itself?  Once 
more  let  us  appeal  to  the  authority  of  Bishop  Horseley  : — 
"  That  man  is  justified  by  faith,  without  the  works  of  the 
law,  was  the  uniform  doctrine  of  the  first  Reformers.  It 
is  a  far  more  ancient  doctrine, — it  was  the  doctrine  of  the 
whole  college  of  apostles.  It  is  more  ancient  still, — it 
was  the  doctrine  of  the  prophets.  It  is  older  than  the 
prophets, — it  was  the  religion  of  the  patriarchs." 

Nor  can  we  omit  the  insertion  of  the  following  admoni- 
tory hint  from  the  same  quarter  : — "  Take  special  care," 
says  that  distinguished  prelate,  "  before  you  aim  your 
shafts  at  Calvinism,  that  you  know  what  is  Calvinism,  and 
what  is  not ; — that,  rn  that  mass  of  doctrine,  whicli  it  is  of 


REV.  LE6H  RICHMOND.  79 

late  become  the  fashion  to  abuse,  under  the  name  of  Cal- 
vinism, you  can  distinguish  with  certainty  between  that 
part  of  it  which  is  nothing  better  than  Calvinism  ;  and  that 
which  belongs  to  our  common  Christianity  ;  and  the  gene- 
ral <aith  of  the  reformed  churches  ;  lest,  when  you  mean 
only  to  fall  foul  of  Calvinism,  you  should  unwarily,  attack 
something  more  sacred,  and  of  higher  origin. 

After  this  almost  involuntary  allusion  to  polemical  divi- 
nity, but  which  the  nature  of  the  subject,  and  the  peculiar 
circumstances  of  our  own  church,  seem  to  have  rendered 
unavoidable,  we  cannot  close  this  chapter  without  a  few  re- 
flections. 

It  may  check  the  pride  and  asperity  of  religious  contro- 
versy, to  remember,  that  amidst  tlie  various  attempts  to 
unite  mankind,  at  different  periods,  within  the  bounds  of 
one  common  uniformity  of  opinion ;  whether  under  the 
names  of  Luther,  Calvin,  or  Arminius,  or  under  the  various 
subdivisions  of  the  present  day  ;  all  have  alike  failed  in  the 
establishment  of  an  universal  standard.  But  it  well  de- 
serves our  notice,  that,  while  each  denomination  claims  a 
preference  for  their  own  peculiarities,  God  has  given  his 
blessiDg  to  all,  wherever  their  aim  has  been  holy,  their  ef- 
forts earnest,  and  the  essential  truths  of  Christianity  have 
not  been  violated. 

Where,  then,  God  withholds  not  his  blessing,  man  must 
not  withhold  his  charity  ;  and  though  union  cannot  exist 
without  tJie  essentials  of  religion,  which  are — faith  in 
Christ,  and  a  conformity  to  his  image,  in  a  renewed  heart 
and  holy  life — if  these  be  secured,  the  union  is  not  only 
practicable,  but  a  necessary  consequence  ;  for,  if  we  are 
members  of  Christ,  we  are  members  one  of  another. 
The  more  we  imbibe  the  genuine  spirit  of  Christianity, 
which  is  a  spirit  of  love,  the  more  shall  we  be  divested  of 
the  shackles  of  party  distinction  ;  and  be  convinced,  that 
the  religion  which  is  from  above,  is  a  religion,  not  of  names, 
but  of  principles  ;  not  of  forms,  but  of  realities  ;  not  "  the 
letter,  which  killeth,  but  the  spirit,  which  giveth  life." 
'*  God  is  love  ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in 


80  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

God,  and  God  in  him." — 1  John  iv.  16.  "The  spirit 
of  Christianity  is  Christianity.  If  this  be  wanting,  the 
glory  is  departed,  and  nothing  remains  worth  contending 
for." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

His  talent  for  extempore  preaching — Family  letters — Com- 
mencement of  the  editor's  acquaintance  with  him — Public 
societies. 

The  principles  on  which  Mr.  Richmond  formed  his  mi- 
nistry, have  been  laid  before  the  reader  in  the  preceding 
chapter  ;  in  which  were  detailed  the  soundness  of  his  views, 
and  the  impressive  manner  of  his  delivery.  He  never  failed 
to  attract  a  crowded  congregation,  and  seldom  preached 
without  the  most  decided  proofs  of  a  divine  power  accom- 
panying his  ministrations.  He  also  possessed  many  natural 
endowments,  which  in  no  small  degree  contributed  to  his 
success.  He  was  an  eloquent  speaker  ;  but  his  eloquence 
was  not  laboured  and  artificial — it  was  the  simple  and 
glowing  expression  of  a  mind  deeply  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  his  subject,  full  of  affection,  and  intent  on 
imparting  the  same  feelings  to  those  who  heard  him. 

He  used  to  refer  his  friends,  who  conversed  with  him  on 
the  subject  of  preaching,  to  the  advice  of  his  college  tutor  : 
"  Don't  use  terms  of  science.  The  people  have  no  ab- 
stract ideas — they  cannot  understand  comparisons  and  al- 
lusions remote  from  all  their  habits.  Take  words  of  Saxon 
derivation,  and  not  such  as  are  derived  from  Latin  and 
Greek.  Talk  of  riches,  not  affluence — of  trust,  not  confi- 
dence. Present  the  same  idea  in  a  varied  form,  and  take 
care  you  understand  the  subject  yourself.  If  you  be  intelli- 
gent, you  will  be  intelligible." 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  81 

Mr.  Richmond's  successful  application  of  these  useful 
rules,  is  well  known  to  all  who  had  opportunity  of  hearing 
his  sermons.  Though  never  offensively  colloqu'al,  he  was 
well  understood  by  the  most  illiterate  of  his  congregation  : 
nor  was  he  satisfied  till  he  had  explained  an  idea  in  every 
possible  variety  and  point  of  view.  On  this  account,  he 
sometimes  seemed  to  persons  unacquainted  with  his  design, 
to  employ  a  needless  number  of  words.  It  was  once  plea- 
santly said,  by  one  who  heard  him — "  An  excellent  sermon, 
but  with  too  many  various  readings." 

He  was  also  singularly  felicitous  in  imparting  interest  to 
what,  in  familiar  phraseology,  is  called  a  dry  subject.  He 
was  once  known  to  preach  an  hour  and  three  quarters,* 
on  the  incidental  evidence  of  Christianity.  On  this  oc- 
casion it  was  said,  by  a  sensible  man  who  heard  him — 
"  This  is  indeed  a  magnificent  sermon  !  I  always  thought 
Mr.  Richmond  a  good  man,  but  I  now  know  him  to  be  a 
great  man." 

Mr.  Richmond,  as  we  have  before  noticed,  possessed  a 
fine  taste,  and  an  almost  enthusiastic  admiration  of  the 
beauties  of  nature.  From  these  he  of^en  iselected  illustra- 
tions, and  embellished  his  subject  with  allusions  to  them. 
He  used  to  say  :  "  There  are  three  books  to  be  studied — 
the  book  of  creation,  the  book  of  providence,  and  the  book 
of  grace.     They  confirm  and  illustrate  each  other." 

These  natural  talents  were  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
religion,  and  gave  an  interest  to  his  preaching,  equalled  by 
few,  and  excelled  by  none. 

The  editor  would  not  be  supposed,  by  these  remarks,  to 
lose  sight  of  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  without  whom 
*♦  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy."     He  knows  that  "  the 

*  This  jermon  was  one  of  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  evidences  of 
Christianity,  preached  at  Olney,  by  the  nei°fhbouriDg  clergy.  Mr. 
Richmond  took  his  plan  from  the  "  Horae  Paulina,''  and  applied 
Dr.  Paley's  principle  to  every  book  of  Holy  Scripture,  with  great 
in°^cnuity  and  >uc;ce«9.  It  i«  much  to  he  regretted  that  nothing  re- 
mains of  the  sermon,  except  a  few  short  heads  of  discourse,  used  by 
Mr.  Richmond  at  the  time  of  preaching. 


82  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Gospel  is  a  mighty  engine,  but  only  mighty  when  God  has 
the  working  of  it."*  Yet  is  it  most  evident,  that  God  is 
pleased  to  make  human  agency,  the  natural  endowments 
and  temperaments  as  well  as  the  graces  of  his  servants,  sub- 
serve his  purposes ;  and  in  the  selection  of  instruments, 
there  is  always  a  peculiar  fitness  for  the  work  in  which  he 
employs  them. 

The  effect  of  Mr.  Richmond's  ministry  was  also  consi- 
derably heightened,  by  the  fluency  of  his  addresses.  He 
adopted  a  method  of  preaching  usually  called  extempore  ; 
without  premeditation,  as  to  the  words  of  a  sermon,  but 
not  to  the  exclusion  of  much  previous  prayer,  and  labour 
in  the  arrangement  of  its  materials.  "  It  is  a  singular  cir- 
cumstance," observes  a  friend  of  his  early  life,  "  that  his 
first  attempt  to  preach  extempore,  in  the  very  small  church 
of  Yaverland  in  tlie  Isle  of  Wight-  was  a  total  failure.  He 
was  so  ashamed  of  it,  that  he  declared  he  would  not  repeat 
the  attempt  ;  and  it  was  only  in  consequence  of  the  urgent 
solicitations  of  our  common  friend,  the  Rev.  Charles  Hoylc, 
that  he  was  induced  to  make  a  second  trial  ;  when  he  suc- 
ceeded beyond  his  hopes,  and  never  afterward  found  any 
difficulty." 

As  a  proof  of  the  eminence  to  which  he  afterward  at- 
tained, we  venture  to  introduce  another  anecdote. 

The  late  Mr.  Whitbread  went  to  hear  him  preach  at  St. 
Paul's,  Bedford,  in  the  year  1 807,  accompanied  by  a  friend, 
who  had  expressed  an  earnest  wish  to  be  present.  The 
church  was  remarkably  crowded — the  preacher  animated — 
and  the  interest  of  the  congregation  strongly  excited.  The 
gentleman  above  alluded  to  at  length  observed  :  "  He  has 
now  preached  with  incredible  fluency,  both  as  to  matter 
and  language,  for  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  and  he  does 
not  seem  even  yet  to  be  exhausted,  or  to  be  drawing  to  a 
close."  "  Exhausted  !"  replied  Mr  Whitbread  :  "  he  can 
hold  on,  in  the  same  way,  if  necessary,  for  two  or  three 
liours  longer." 

*  Adams'  Private  Thoughts. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  83 

Before  we  proceed  with  the  narrative,  we  lay  before  the 
reader  a  few  letters  written  about  this  time  by  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, to  his  aunt  and  mother.  They  are  not,  indeed,  con- 
nected with  any  previous  or  subsequent  remarks  of  our 
own  ;  but  are  here  introduced  to  preserve  the  chronology 
of  the  memoir.  They  are  pleasing  proofs  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's afl'ectionate  attention  to  the  claims  of  his  own  fa- 
mily, amidst  the  incessant  demands  of  public  duties. 

«  Turvey,  January  10,  1808. 

"  My  dear  Aunt, 

«  Affection  for  one  so  long  known  and  loved  must  in- 
deed be  asleep,  if  I  did  not  hasten  to  express  my  tenderest 
concern  on  your  account  My  office  and  station  calls  me 
daily,  in  one  place  or  another,  to  pour  the  balm  of  consola- 
tion into  the  wounded  breast.  I  cannot,  indeed,  comfort 
you  in  person  ;  but  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  speak  in  my 
Lord  and  Saviour's  name,  I  may  often  do  so  by  letter. 
Indeed,  my  dearest  aunt,  I  shall  be  happy  in  any  endeavour 
I  can  exert,  to  prove  to  you  how  affectionately  I  am  inter- 
ested in  what  regards  your  welfare,  both  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral. I  am  daily  exercised  among  the  sick,  the  weak,  the 
maimed,  the  suffering  and  the  departing ;  and  am  constantly 
reminded  of  the  uncertainty  of  life,  even  from  one  day  to 
another.  What  a  glorious  light  has  the  word  of  God  thrown 
on  the  otherwise  dark  and  gloomy  uncertainty  which  would 
have  overhung  the  prospect  of  eternity  t  How  full,  how 
free  a  provision  has  our  gracious  God  revealed  for  the  sal- 
vation of  sinners  who  lay  hold  on  his  promises  by  faith  ! 
May  you  and  I  be  enabled,  under  every  trial  and  pang  of 
soul  or  body,  to  flee  to  the  strong  One  for  help,  remember- 
ing that  in  all  our  afflictions  he  was  afflicted. 

"  May  the  recollection  of  every  past  instance  of  God's 
kindness  lead  you  to  trust  in  him,  and  repose  on  his  re- 
deeming grace  and  love.  May  your  prayer  be  constantly 
heard  and  answered,  when  at  the  throne  of  grace  you  plead 
what  a  Saviour  has  done  and  suffered  for  you,  and  suppli- 
cate for  a  heart  thankfully  resigned  to  God,  let  wliat  will  be 


84  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

his  pleasure  concerning  you.  I  feel  pereuaded  you  will 
ascribe  what  I  have  said  to  a  sincere  affection,  and  a  desire 
to  contribute  my  mite  of  consolation  under  the  trial  which 
Providence  has  brought  upon  you.  May  you  meet  it  with 
the  true  spirit  of  Christian  fortitude  !  Sanctified  afflictions 
are  the  Lord's  peculiar  mercies  to  those  whom  he  loves. 
May  your's  prove  one  of  this  kind  !  Frequent  meditation 
on  the  great  change  to  which  we  are  all  daily  liable  ;  to 
which  the  youngest  are  rapidly  hastening — is  highly  profita- 
ble to  the  soul,  and  begets  a  watchfulness  and  preparedness 
of  mind  for  every  event  and  circumstance.  Seasons  of 
sickness  and  debility  are  pecuHarly  calculated  to  this  end. 
They  are  often  expressly  sent,  that  as  in  the  day  of  health 
and  prosperity  we  are  too  prone  to  forget  the  Author  and 
Giver  of  all  our  blessings,  these  messengers  of  mercy  may 
be  the  means,  in  his  Almighty  hands,  of  collecting  our  wan- 
dering thoughts  and  affections,  and  of  fixing  them  abidingly 
on  him.  Receive  these  reflections  from  one  who  loves 
you,  who  wishes  never  to  forget  that  he  is  a  minister  of 
Christ,  and  always 

'•  Your  affectionate  nephew, 

"  Legh  Richmond.'- 

<«  Turvey,  January  29,  1808. 
"  My  dearest  Mother, 

"  The  return  of  this  day*  reminds  me  of  life,  death, 
and  eternity  ;  '■  •  reminds  me  of  times  past,  and  anticipates 
times  to  come  ;  it  reminds  me  of  my  dear  mother  also,  and 
of  the  many  affectionate  sensations  which  the  successive 
anniversaries  of  my  birth  have  from  year  to  year  given  her. 
arising  from  the  mingled  hope  of  good  and  fear  of  evil. 
Sometimes  you  have  written  to  me  on  this  day  ;  but  lest  a 
letter  should  not  be  penned  between  us,  I  take  up  the  quill 
to  write  to  you.  Accept  my  kind,  tender,  and  dutiful  as- 
surances of  filial  love  and  veneration,  and  ten  thousand 
thanks  for  all  your  cares  and  prayers  on  my  account,  for 

*  His  birth-day. 


REV.  LEGH   RICHMOND.  85 

six-and-thirty  years ;  nor  let  it  ever  be  thought  that  I  am 
insensible  to  what  I  owe  you.  Happy  shall  1  feel  if  ena- 
bled and  permittee!  to  contribute  to  the  ease  and  consola- 
tion of  your  declining  years,  and  to  mitigate  the  infirmities 
of  old  age,  by  the  duly  applied  exertions  of  younger  years! 
It  seems  but  a  little  while  since  I  was  a  boy  myself,  return- 
ing home  from  season  to  season,  to  enjoy  the  blessmg  and 
comfort  of  parental  and  sisterly  society  and  affection  at 
your  home  :  and  now  I  see  myself  surrounded  by  my  boys 
and  girls  at  my  own  home,  growing  apace,  and  preparing 
to  occupy  the  station  in  the  world,  which  we  now  fill  up. 
It  is  an  old  and  worn  out  remark,  '  how  lime  flies  !'  Yet 
we  cannot  help  all  making  it  in  our  turn  ;  we  feel  its  force, 
and  out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh. 
One  cannot  help  sometimes  ejaculating  with  good  old  David, 
•  O,  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover  my  strength,  be- 
fore I  go  hence  and  be  no  more  seen !'  What  a  scene  does 
eternity  present ! — the  years  of  life  past — earthly  connex- 
ions dissolved — the  secrets  of  all  hearts  laid  open — souls 
saved  or  lost — Christ,  a  frowning  judge,  or  a  welcome  sa- 
viour— all  mistakes  and  errors  in  religion  at  an  end — every 
false  foundation  undermined — a  world  in  flames  and  con- 
sumed, as  though  it  had  never  been — time  itself  no  more — 
eternal  ages  of  ages  rolling  on  in  ceaseless  bliss  or  wo ! 
Who  is  sufficient  even  to  speak  on  these  things  ? 

"  Pray  for  me,  that  since  the  Lord  has  spared  me  another 
year,  I  may  not  prove  such  a  barren  figi^ee  as  heretofore. 
I  could  look  at  all  that  is  past,  and  view  myself  as  no  betlei- 
than  a  cumberer  of  the  ground.  But  the  gracious  Vine- 
dresser intercedes,  and  his  prayer  is  full  of  love  and  mercy  ; 
may  the  Owner  of  the  vineyard  hear,  and  answer  it.  1 
have  been  very  unwell,  but  am  now  much  better  :  the  poor 
fig-tree  is  not  yet  cut  down.  May  it  bear  fruit  to  the  glory 
of  the  Father.  Accept  our  love,  and  give  it  to  those  around 
you  ;  and  believe  me, 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 

"  Leoh  RIC^Mo^•D.'' 
9 


86  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

«  Turvey,  March  25tlh  1809. 
"  My  dearest  Mother, 

"  I  do  indeed  most  sincerely  rejoice  at  your  recovery 
from  so  severe  an  attack  of  your  complaint,  as  that  which 
you  describe.  May  a  gracious  God  protect  you  under  the 
shadow  of  his  wing,  and  spare  your  valuable  health,  for  all 
our  sakes  ;  may  you  daily  enjoy  more  of  a  sense  of  the  di- 
vine presence,  as  you  advance  in  your  pilgrimage  ;  may  you 
sometimes  be  favoured,  from  the  top  of  the  mount  of  Pisgah, 
with  a  cheerful  prospect  of  Cana  n  ;  and  always  be  sup- 
ported by  the  trust  that  He  who  hath  begun  the  good  work 
in  you,  will  perfect  it  m  his  own  time.  Your  occasional 
doubts  and  fears,  arise  from  too  much  considering  faith  and 
repentance  as  the  grounds,  rather  than  the  evidences  of  sal- 
vation. The  truth  is,  that  a  weak  faith  makes  the  soul  as 
secure,  though  not  so  happy,  as  a  strong  one  :  and  an  im- 
perfect repentance,  as  we  deem  it,  may  be  sincere,  and 
therefore  a  work  of  grace.  Our  salvation  is  not,  because 
we  do  so  well,  but  because  '  He  whom  we  trust,  hath  done 
all  things  well.'  The  believing  sinner  is  never  more  happy 
nor  secure,  than  when,  at  the  same  moment,  he  beholds 
and  feels  his  own  vileness,  and  also  his  Saviour's  excel- 
lence. 

I  the  chief  of  sinners  am, 
But  Jesus  died  for  me ; 

is  the  burthen  of  his  song.  You  look  at  yourself  too 
much,  and  at  the  infinite  price  paid  for  you  too  little. 
For  conviction,  it  is  true,  you  must  look  to  your  own  heart : 
but,  for  comfort,  at  your  own  Saviour.  Thus  the  wounded 
Israelites  were  to  look  only  at  the  brazen  serpent,  for  re- 
covery. The  graces  of  the  spirit,  such  as  love,  patience, 
goodness,  faith,  &c.,  are  good  things  for  others  to  judge 
us  by  ;  but  it  is  Christianity,  as  received,  believed  in,  rested 
upon,  loved,  and  followed,  that  will  speak  peace  to  our- 
selves. By  looking  unto  Him,  we  shall  grow  holy  ;  and, 
the  more  holy  we  grow,  the  more  we  shall  mourn  over  sin, 
and  be  sensible  how  very  short  we  come  of  what  we  yet 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  87 

desire  to  be.  None  are  so  holy  as  those  who  mourn  that 
thev  are  not  more  so.  While  our  sanctification  is  a  gra- 
dual and  still  imperfect  work,  our  justification  is  perfect 
and  complete  :  the  former  is  wrought  in  us,  the  latter  for 
us.  Rely,  simply,  as  a  worthless  sinner,  on  the  Saviour, 
and  the  latter  is  all  your  own,  with  its  accompanying  bles- 
sings of  pardon,  acceptance,  adoption,  and  the  now-impu- 
tation  of  sin  to  your  charge.  Hence  will  flow  thankful 
obedience,  devotedness  of  heart,  patience  in  tribulation, 
and  quiet  waiting  for  tht-  glory  of  God.  Thus,  salvation 
is  by  faith  alone  ;  and  thus,  saving  faith  works  by  love. 
Embrace  these  principles  freely,  fully,  and  impartially,  and 
you  will  enjoy  a  truly  scriptural  peace,  assurance-  and 
comfort. 

"  You  would  hear  from  my  dear  wife  something  of  my 
intended  proceedings,  durmg  the  ensuing  month  of  May. 
She  has,  of  course,  told  you,  that  1  am  to  preach  the  an- 
nual missionary  sermon  in  London,  on  Whit-Tuesday. 
Mr.  Robinson,  of  Leicester,  preached  last  year. 

"  I  hope  will  succeed  in   procuring  an  eligible 

residence.  How  1  wish  they  might  fix  near  a  truly  pious 
and  devoted  clergymati.  The  importance  of  this  circum- 
stance should  never  be  forgotten  in  the  choice  of  a  resi- 
dence, and  is  of  far  greater  importance  than  many  are  dis- 
posed to  consider  it.* 

•  How  many,  who  have  a  good  support  for  their  families,  for 
mere  purposes  of  worldly  grain,  remove  to  sections  of  the  country, 
where  the  regular  ordinances  of  religion  are  not  fouml,  and  where 
schools  and  reiigiouo  inofitutions  are  unknown  Thus  their  chil- 
dren grow  up  in  ignorance  and  sin,  and  become  a  cur>»e  to  them- 
selves and  society.  How  cheaply  do  such  parents  sacrifice  the  in- 
terests of  the  soul  and  eternity,  for  the  riches  of  earth.  We  would 
not  discourage  emigration,  but  we  would  invoke  every  parent,  not 
to  choose  his  residenc?  beyond  appointed  means  of  grace.  It  has 
pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching,  to  save  them  that 
believe. 

We  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  colonies  of  a  dozen  or  more 
pious  families  going  forth  to  the  mure  destitute  parts,  carrying  with 
them  all  th«  relif^ous  institutions  of  the  day.      New  settlements 


88  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

"  May  God  bless,  protect,  and  preserve  \ou  to  his  own 

kingdom.     Love  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H ,  from  all  herct 

and  from 

*«  Your  affectionate  son, 

"  Legh  Richmond." 

It  was  towards  the  close  of  the  year  1F08  that  the  wri- 
ter of  this  memoir  first  became  acquainted  with  Mr  Rich- 
mond ;  and,  as  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  oc- 
currence were  of  a  nature  that  led  to  a  very  confidential 
intercourse,  terminating  only  with  the  decease  of  his  re- 
vered and  much  beloved  friend,  he  trusts  he  shall  be  ex- 
cused for  briefly  adverting  to  tlie  subject.  Soon  after  his 
entrance  into  the  ministry,  the  serious  charge  first  attracted 
his  attention,  that  the  Gospel  was  not  generally  preached 
with  fidelity  and  correctness,  by  the  clergy.  As  this  accu- 
sation was  circulated  in  the  neighbimrhood  where  he  then 
lived,  and  he  was  included  in  the  su|)posed  number  of  the 
delinquents,  it  awakened  serious  reflections  in  his  mind. 
Having  adopted  the  profession  of  the  Church  under  a 
strong  predilection  for  its  duties,  he  was  disposed,  in  the 
first  instance,  to  repel  this  insinuation,  with  a  deep  sense 
of  injrred  feeling,  not  wholly  unmingled  with  indignation ; 
and  to  attribute  it  to  the  prevalence  of  dissent,  in  that 
particular  vicinity  But  the  question  immediately  sug- 
gested itself — Why  was  there  a  prevalence  of  dissent;  and 
did  not  this  fact,  of  itself,  constitute  a  grave  and  momentous 
charge,  affecting  the  character  and  credit  of  the  cleri  y  ? 
The  fact,  of  the  poor  usually  forming  the  larger  propor- 
tion of  the  seceders,  contributed,  in  no  small  degree,  to 
rouse  his  conscience  and  to  call  for  deliberate  and  solemn 
inquiry. 

At  that  period,  the  religious  views  of  the  writer,  in  com- 
mon with  those  of  many  others,  were  of  the  following  na- 
ture, viz. — that   we  were  to  fulfil  every  appointed  duty 

thus  formed,  might  not  need  afterward  lo  be  evangelized,  but 
would  themselves  exert  a  salutary  influence  on  present  and  future 
g;eneration8. — Am.  Ed. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  89 

o  the  best  of  our  ability,  and  that  all  deficiences  would  be 
supplied  by  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer  :  thus  making  the 
sinner's  salvation,  principally,  the  effect  of  his  own  merits, 
and  considering  those  of  the  Saviour  merely  as  supple- 
mentary to  them  The  corruption  and  entire  alienation 
of  the  human  heart  from  God,  the  necessity  of  the  renew- 
ing inflnences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  manner  of  their 
operation,  were  very  inadequately  understood  by  him  ;  and 
consequently,  very  obscurely  stated  from  the  pulpit :  and 
yet  he  was  diligen*  in  his  parochial  duties,  zealous  as  a 
preacher  of  righteousness,  and  aimed  at  holiness  in  his  life, 
without  ever  being  able  to  attain  what  he  so  earnestly  de- 
sired. After  various  attempts  to  satisfy  his  conscience, 
the  suggestion  gradually  presented  itself,  that  it  was  possi- 
ble he  might  hold  erroneous  \iews,  however  unconscious 
of  their  nature  and  extent ;  and  the  awful  words  of  the 
apostle,  "  Wo  unto  me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel,"  be- 
gan to  fill  his  mind  with  trouble  and  dismay.  Not  to 
dwell  on  a  series  of  minor  circumstances,  the  idea  which 
was  first  admitted  aa  a  possibilUyj  assumed  the  character 
of  probability ;  and,  for  a  period  of  two  years,  his  mind 
was  kept  in  a  state  of  painful  conflict ;  during  which, 
many  a  prayer  was  offered  up  to  the  Father  of  lights  and  to 
the  God  of  all  mercy  :  and  the  promise  unceasingly  plead- 
ed— "  If  any  man  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God,  that 
giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not ;  and  it 
shall  be  given  him." — James  i.  5. 

At  the  expiration  of  this  time,  a  dying  friend  sent  him 
Romaine's  twelve  Discourses  on  the  law  and  the  Gospel  ; 
earnestly  expressing  a  hope,  that  the  perusal  of  them  might 
he  as  useful  to  him  as  she  had  found  it  to  be  to  herself  It 
was  to  this  book  that  the  writer  owed  the  solution  of  all  his 
difliculties,  and  the  first  clear  and  spiritual  conviction  of 
the  mode  of  a  sinner's  acceptance  before  God  ;  from  it  he 
discovered  that  the  law  can  never  save,  either  in  whole  or 
in  part, — that  its  office  is  rather  to  condemn,  "  as  the  kill- 
ing letter,"  and  **  the  ministration  unto  death,"  because  it 
requires  that  perfect  and  unsinning  obedience^  which  no 
9* 


90  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

man  can  perform  ;  and  in  the  absence  of  such  obedience,^ 
pronounces  the  awful  sentence, — ♦*  Cursed  is  every  one 
that  continueth  not  m  all  things  which  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law  to  do  them  " — Gal.  iii.  10.  Thus  the 
law  becomes  "  a  schoolmaster  to  lead  us  to  Christ," — 
that  the  condemned  and  sjuilty  sinner  may  see  the  grace 
and  glory  of  that  redemption  which  is  revealed  in  the  Gos- 
pel ;  and  disclaiming  all  self-de  endence,  may  seek  and  find 
acceptance  from  the  unmerited  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus.  The  work  entitled  "  the  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,"  of  which  an  account  has  already  been  given,  was, 
at  the  same  time,  just  published  in  numbers  ;  and,  from 
a  conviction  that  none  were  likely  to  be  better  guides, 
in  the  right  interpretation  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Church  of 
England,  the  writer  began  to  read  them  with  great  interest. 
Shortly  afterward,  he  was  removed  to  his  present  residence, 
at  Biddenham,  but  not  before  he  had  been  permitted  to 
see  some  very  decided  fruits  from  his  change  of  views,  and 
from  a  more  scriptural  style  of  preaching.  The  parish  of 
Biddenham  not  being  further  distant  from  Turvey  than  six 
miles,  he  frequently  heard  of  Mr.  Richmond's  character 
and  proceedings  ;  and  having  expressed  a  strong  desire  to 
cultivate  his  acquaintance,  this  wish  was  shortly  after  gra- 
tified. 

As  he  was  one  morning  engaged  in  reading  the  "  Fa- 
thers," the  name  of  Mr.  Richmond  was  announced,  and 
he  immediately  entered  the  room.  After  a  few  general  re- 
marks, "  What  is  the  book,  sir,"  he  asked,  "  that  you  are 
reading  ?"  "  The  '  Fathers  of  the  English  Church,'  "  1^ 
replied.  "  What  is  the  nature  of  the  work,  and  your 
opinion  of  its  merits  ?"  I  observed,  tJiat  I  had  been  led  by 
a  train  of  circumstances  to  examine  very  minutely  into  the 
real  purport  and  character  of  the  doctrines  of  our  church, 
from  a  conviction  that  a  great  diversity  of  opinion  pre- 
vailed on  the  subject ;  and  that,  instead  of  being  directed 
by  any  modern  guide,  it  appeared  to  me  to  be  the  duty  of 
a  conscientious  minister,  to  trace  doctrine  to  the  fountain- 
^ead^.     That  a  work  had  lately  been  published,  professing; 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  91 

to  contain  copious  extracts  from  the  writings  of  the  Re- 
formers which  I  considered  to  be  a  most  invaluable  per- 
formance ;  that  I  was  deriving  much  benefit  and  edification 
from  it ;  and  that  if  it  were  read  by  the  clergy  generally, 
I  thought  it  would  be  attended  with  very  important  con- 
sequences. Seeing  a  smile  upon  his  countenance,  I  ob- 
served, "  Why  do  you  smile,  Sir  ?"  '  It  is  owmg,"  he 
replied,  "  to  the  singularity  of  our  conversation  ;  and  you 
yourself  will,  perhaps,  smile,  and  be  surprised,  when  I  in- 
form you  that  the  editor  of  the  work,  in  the  praise  of  which 
you  are  so  earnest,  is  now  before  you.''  "  You  the  author 
of  this  work  ?'*  I  said.  "  Yes  "  he  replied,  "  1  am  the 
compiler."  He  then  related  the  facts  that  have  already 
been  recorded,  as  to  the  manner  in  which  he  first  became 
possessed  of  the  writings  of  the  Reformers.  The  interest 
excited  in  my  mind  by  this  communication,  and  by  the 
whole  of  the  interview,  awakened  a  strong  wish  to  culti- 
vate a  nearer  intercourse  with  so  valuable  a  character  ;  and 
the  foundation  was  soon  laid,  of  an  intimacy  which  the  ex- 
perience of  every  year  increased  and  strengthened — the 
harmony  of  which  was  never  interrupted  for  a  day,  an 
iiour,  or  a  moment ;  and  which  was  the  source  of  increas- 
ing profit,  comfort,  and  happiness,  to  its  lamented  close. 
Little  did  I  think,  when  this  first  interview  occurred  with 
my  estimable  friend,  that  we  were  afterward  to  be  fre- 
quent companions  in  many  a  labour  of  love — in  many  a 
public  cause  ;  and  to  share,  with  mutual  sympathy,  in  the 
various  events  that  have  occurred  since  that  period  ; — that 
1  then  saw  before  me  the  man  with  whom  I  was  to  be 
leagued  in  the  closest  bonds  of  intimacy, — that  I  should 
cliristen  his  children,  marry  his  daughter,  and  bury  two  of 
his  sons  ;  and,  finally,  that  it  would  be  my  mournful  duty, 
amidst  the  tears  of  his  bereaved  family  and  sorrowing  pa- 
rishioners, to  perform  the  last  sad  office  for  himself! 

Shortly  after  the  above  interview,  Mr.  Richmond  was 
requested  to  preach  at  Bi<ldenham.  It  was  the  first  time 
that  I  liad  over  heard  a  minister  of  his  sentiments.  The 
clcarucsd,  the  ability,  and  the  impressive  manner  in  which 


92  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

he  unfolded  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel — the  earnest  and 
affectionate  appeals  that  he  made  to  the  conscience,  the 
skill  with  which  he  discriminated  the  different  classes  of  his 
hearers,  the  astonishing  fluency  of  his  utterance,  and  the 
earnestness  both  of  the  preacher  and  the  congregation, 
awakened  in  me  a  train  of  solemn  reflections,  and  especially 
on  the  value  of  public  preaching,  when  conducted  on  such 
principles,  and  accompanied  with  such  holy  and  devout  af- 
fections. An  intense  interest  and  heavenly  fervour  seemed 
to  be  depicted  in  every  countenance,  and  to  be  felt  in  every 
heart.  I  shared  in  the  same  emotions,  but  they  were  ac- 
companied by  a  great  depression  of  feeUng,  and  a  convic- 
tion that  I  was  wholly  unworthy  to  enter  the  same  pulpit ; 
nor  shall  I  ever  forget  the  seasonable  remark  of  a  pious  old 
man,  on  the  following  morning,  who,  in  dwelling  on  the  ex- 
cellencies of  the  preceding  day's  discourse,  observed — 
"  The  grace  that  God  has  given  to  him,  he  can  give  both 
to  you  and  me  :  for  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons." 

The  writer  being  called  away  for  a  short  time,  by  some 
family  circumstances,  Mr.  Richmond  undertook  to  assist 
him,  and  supply  the  duty  at  Biddenham  and  at  the  adjoin- 
ing parish  of  Stagsdcn.  It  was  during  this  interval  tliat  he 
received  from  him  the  two  following  letters. 

*'  Turvey^  February  Qth,  1809. 
«  My  dear  Friend, 

"  I  sincerely  pray  that  you  may  be  restored  to  your 
parishes  in  that  happy  frame  which  may,  under  a  divine 
blessing,  render  you  to  them,  and  them  to  you,  a  mutual 
comfort.  A  general  interest  and  inquiry  is  excited  in  your 
whole  vicinity,  to  hear  you,  and  the  word  of  God  from  your 
lips.  May  you  be  directed  and  enabled,  by  the  Searcher 
of  all  hearts,  to  preach  Jesus  Christ  freely,  fully,  and  effec- 
tually, both  to  unconverted  and  converted  sinners.  Do  not 
shun  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Keep  in  mind 
that  excellent  rule  I  mentioned  the  other  morning  :  '  never 
preach  a  single  sermon,  from  which  an  unenlightened 
hearer  might  not  learn  the  plan  of  salvation ^  even  thougK 


REV.  LEOH    RICHMOMD.  93 

he  never  afterward  heard  another  discourse.'  Sin  and 
salvation  are  the  two  grand  subjects  of  our  prenching  ;  and 
they  oucjht  to  be  broujrht  forward  unceasinjjiy,  both  doc- 
trinally,  practically,  and,  above  all,  experi7nentally .  Preacii 
from  the  heart,  and  it  will  always  reach  the  heart,  I  al- 
ways find  that  when  I  speak  from  the  inward  feelings  of  my 
own  heart,  with  respect  to  the  workings  of  inbred  corrup- 
tion, earnest  desire  after  salvation,  a  sense  of  my  own 
nothingness,  and  my  Saviour's  fulness,  the  people  hear,  feel, 
are  edified,  and  strengthened  \\  hereas,  if  I  descend  to 
mere  formal  or  cold  explanation  of  particulars  which  do 
not  affect  the  great  question — *  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?' 
my  hearers  and  1  grow  languid  and  dull  together,  and  no 
good  is  done. 

**  Many  of  our  hearers  have  been  accustomed  to  attend 
at  various  descriptions  of  meeting-houses.  The  general 
character  of  meeting-house  piety  is  simple,  earnest,  scrip- 
tural, plain,  and  interesting, — the  awful  condition  of  a  sin- 
ner, in  his  natural  state,  an<l  the  consolations  and  promises 
of  a  Saviour,  aredw^lt  upon  th  oughout  their  prayers  and 
discourses.  Thus  far  all  is  good  ;  and  we  must  do  the 
same,  if  we  would  retain  or  regain  our  congregations. 
Thus  the  fathers  of  the  English  church  preached  to  our 
elders  and  predecessors, — thus  preached  Roinaine,  Walker, 
Venn,  Berriilge,  Milner,  Newton,  &C  ;  and  thus  souls 
were  saved,  and  the  church  of  Engl  and  ^owrwAcrf,  and  was 
built  up  under  their  ministry.  May  you  and  I  do  so  like- 
wise, and  daily  see  the  fruit  of  our  labours,  in  the  growth 
of  our  people  in  divine  knowledge. 

"  You  see,  I  speak  to  you  with  the  freedom  of  a  brother  ; 
you  have  given  me  libertv  so  to  do.  I  esteem  you  highly 
for  it,  and  thank  you  for  the  confidence  you  repose  in  me  ; 
I  only  desire  to  use  it  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of 
souls.  Having  some  little  experience  in  the  ministry,  and 
knowing  a  gcxxl  deal  of  the  character  and  circumstances  of 
the  people,  both  religious  and  irreligious,  in  this  neighbour- 
hood, I  may  sometimes  have  it  in  my  power  to  suggest 
hints,  and  communicate  information,  that  may  be  useful 


94  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

and  satisfactory  to  you.     But  above  all,  pray  fervently  to 
God  for  a  blessing  on  yourself,  your  preaching?,  your  peo- 
ple, on  the  church  of  God,  and  last,  though  not  least,  on 
"  Your  unworthy  triend  and  brother 

*^  Leqh  Richmond." 

«  Turoey,  Feb.  20,  1809. 

"  My  dear  Friend  and  Brother, 

"  I  promised  you  an  account  of  my  proceedings  with 
respect  to  your  parishes,  and  now  sit  down  to  fulfil  that  pro- 
mise. My  friend  who  engaged  to  assist  me,  having  been 
prevented  from  coming  here,  I  was  under  the  necessity  of 
fixing  a  later  hour  for  the  services  at  Biddenham,  but  it  was 
perfectly  agreeable  to  your  people,  and  to  many  even  more 
agreeable  than  if  I  had  served  your  church  at  the  usual 
time. 

'*  Your  churches  have  been  overflowing  as  to  the  num- 
ber of  hearers,  ana  1  trust  God  will  bless  the  work  among 
them  ;  I  preached  for  you  also  at  Bidde!»ham,  on  the  fast- 
day — I  kad  every  reason  to  be  highly  satisfied  with  the  ge- 
neral appearance  of  things,  during  the  three  weeks  1  preach- 
ed at  Biddenham.  Our  only  Christian  friends,  the  B's, 
did  every  thing  possible  to  promote  my  comforts,  and  the 
general  good  of  our  holy  cause.  At  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  1 2th  ultimo,  I  arrived  for  the  first  time  at 
Stagsden  ;  the  whole  school  were  assembled  in  the  church, 
and  a  fine  congregation.  I  preached  a  sermon  on  the 
opening  of  the  school.  When  the  service  was  over,  I  de- 
sired the  children  and  their  relations  to  come  into  the  chan- 
cel, where  I  gave  them  a  familiar  address  by  way  of  en- 
couragement, and  spoke  to  them  individually  on  their  re- 
spective duties.  I  yesterday  went  to  Stagsden  again,  later 
in  the  afternoon,  being  unable  to  get  there  so  early  as  I 
wished,  and  found  a  noble  congregation  indeed  After 
service  I  inspected  the  school,  and  made  a  few  regulations 
for  order  and  decency,  to  await  your  approbation.  T  have 
been  very  desirous  that  the  first  impressions  on  the  minds  of 
the  scholars,  and  that  of  the  parish  at  large,  should  be, 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  95 

tliat  it  is  a  religious  as  well  as  a  literary  institution  ;  and  I 
think  I  have  succeeded.  I  visited,  this  morning,  two  dying 
parishioners  of  Stagsden,  one  at  North-end,  and  the  other  at 
Bury-end.  Both  aias  !  with  little  light.  I  have  said  and 
done  every  thing  I  could  among  the  people  to  pave  the  way, 
as  I  trust,  for  your  comfortable  labours  among  them.  I 
shall  hope  to  see  you  as  soon  as  you  return,  and  I  shall  be 
glad  to  enter  into  full  detail  of  several  Httle  particulars, 
which  may  be  for  your  satisfaction,  and  that  of  the  parishes. 
One  day  at  Biddenham,  I  conversed  individually  with  seve- 
ral of  your  parishioners  and  was  happy  to  find  that  some 
young  persons  have  been  seriously  impressed  under  your 
ministry      Some  persons  also  spoke  to  me,  and  desired  to 

be  kindly  remembered,  particularly  one  named ,  I 

propose  going  next  week  to  see  your  Biddenham  flock  once 
more  before  your  return. 

"  Having  given  you  some  account  of  your  parochial 
transactions,  allow  me  to  express  my  earnest  wishes  for 
your  spiritual  prosperity,  b  th  as  it  concerns  your  own 
inward  experience  and  outward  ministry.  I  feel  persuaded, 
that  you  will  every  day  increasingly  discover  your  infinite 
obligation  to  our  common  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  had  led 
you  by  his  grace  to  discern  between  good  and  evil,  truth 
and  error,  salvation  by  works,  and  salvation  by  grace 
through  faith  alone.  I  cannot  help  feeling  an  affectionate 
and  brotherly  concern  and  regard  towards  you,  from  having 
so  exactly  trod  over  a  similar  ground.  1  have  known  tlic 
difficulty  of  giving  up  all  for  Christ — of  ceasing  to  do  and 
speak  as  tlie  world  around  me  did, — 1  have  felt  the  necessi- 
ty of  denying  my.self— taking  up  the  cross,  and  following 
our  Lord.  I  offer  up  my  prayers,  that  your  mind  may  be 
strengthened  unto  the  clearest  views  of  every  essential 
truth,  and  unto  firm  resolutions  to  walk  in  the  good  old  way 
of  our  forefathers. 

"  God  appears  to  have  prepared  you  a  people  for  your 
labours,  and  they  are  anxiously  awaiting  your  arrival.  May 
the  Lord  give  you  many  of  them  as  souls  for  your  hire ! 


96  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

"  Allow  me,  with  all  the  confidence  and  anxiety  which 
friendship,  and  a  desire  to  serve  the  interest  of  our  great 
cause  inspire,  to  give  it  as  my  decided  advice,  (founded  on 
observation,  and  the  state  of  feeling  and  habit  among  reli- 
gious people  in  general,)  that  you  study  even  the  prejudices 
of  those  among  whom  you  may  labcjur  against  all  worldly 
conformity,  that  might  injure  the  weight  and  influence  of 
your  ministry.  Public,  and  some  private  amusements,  are 
viewed  with  peculiar  dislike  and  disapprobation  by  good 
people  in  general.  Those  who  have  not  been  accustomed 
to  converse  intimately  with  that  most  respectable  part  of  the 
community,  the  middle  and  lower  ranks  of  religious  per- 
sons, would  hardly  conceive  how  strong  their  feelings  are 
upon  those  points  which  others  often  view  as  trivial.  I 
merely  mention  these  things,  because  I  have  myself  found 
the  necessity  of  attending  to  them,  far  beyond  what  I  at 
first  supposed.  I  feel  a  deep  interest  for  your  happiness, 
and  the  success  of  your  ministry.  I  view  it  as  a  matter  of 
providential  mercy,  that  you  are  thrown  into  this  new  situa- 
tion, and  trust  great  good  will  arise  from  it  to  you,  and  to 
the  people. 

"  I  am  much  obliged  by  the  friendly  confidence  with 
which  yr>u  have  treated  me,  and  pray  God  that  our  inter- 
course may  be  truly  blest. 

"  I  ought  to  apologize  for  so  long  a  letter,  but  I  have 
been  insensibly  led  to  be  prolix.  I  shall  preach,  and  visit 
the  new  Sunday  school  at  Stagsden  on  Sunday  next,  and 
shall  pay  one  more  visit  to  your  people  at  Biddenham,  in 
the  middle  of  next  week  ;  at  the  end  of  which  I  hope  God 
will  restore  you  in  safety  to  *  your  work  and  your  reward.' 
May  the  free,  sovereign,  unmerited,  and  effectual  grace  of 
God,  give  you  all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places 
with  Christ  Jesus.  I  commend  you  to  his  high  and  holy 
keeping,  and  desire  you  to  be  assured  with  how  great  sin- 
cerity I  am 

"  Your  unworthy  fellow  labourer, 

"  Legh  Richmond." 


JlEV.    LEGH    RICHMOND*  97 

The  writer  of  this  memoir  cannot  help  here  observing, 
how  much  he  recognised  the  hand  of  providence  in  leading 
him  to  a  neighbourhood,  which  abounds  with  so  many  pri- 
vileges of  a  religious  nature,  and  where  he  found  so  experi- 
enced and  useful  a  guide  as  Mr.  Richmond.  In  his  former 
residence,  with  the  exception  of  an  endeared  friend,  the 
want  of  these  advantages  was  highly  injurious  to  his  pro- 
gress in  the  knowledge  of  religion,  in  this  way  we  disco- 
ver the  goodness  and  wisdom  of  providence  in  the  various 
circumstances  and  events  of  our  lives,  in  appointing  the 
bounds  of  our  habitation,  and  placing  us  when  and  where 
his  Almighty  wisdom  and  love  sees  to  be  most  suited  to  the 
purposes  of  his  own  grace,  and  our  welfare. 

It  was  about  this  period,  in  the  year  1 809,  that  those  in- 
stitutions, whose  yubsequent  career  is  so  well  known,  sud- 
denly emerged  from  a  state  of  comparative  obscurity,  and 
by  a  kind  of  simultaneous  movement  engrossed  the  popu- 
lar favour  and  sanction,  from  one  extremity  of  the  kingdom 
to  the  other.  Men  were  at  length  roused  from  their  apathy, 
and  seized  with  avidity  the  opportunity  now  presented  of 
redeeming  the  guilt  of  past  neglect.  On  the  other  hand, 
feelings  of  disapprobation,  or  of  more  avowed  opposition, 
were  manifested  in  certain  quarter,  and  ministers  of  the 
established  church  were  subjected  to  much  misrepresenta- 
tion and  censure,  on  account  of  their  attachment  to  these 
societies.* 

It  was  maintained,  and  no  doubt  with  all  the  sincerity  of 

*  It  is  proper  to  remark,  that  the  compiler  of  the  memoir,  had 
introduced  in  this  place,  some  remarks  upon  the  state  of  society  at 
the  time  when  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible — the  Church  Mission- 
ary Society,  and  the  society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the 
Jews,  were  formed,  as  a  vindication  of  Mr.  Richmond  for  the  very 
active  part  which  he  took  in  their  establishment  and  enlargement. 
He  also  stated,  and  refuted  at  large,  the  objections  urged  against 
the  coarse  pursued  by  Mr.  Richmond  in  serving  these  societies  as 
an  agent.  This  discussion  is  omitted  on  account  of  its  local  nature, 
and  from  the  conviction,  that  no  good  would  follow  from  perpetua* 
ting  objections  no  longer  felt,  at  least  in  this  country.  Am.  Ed. 
10 


\fO  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

conviction,  that  the  circulation  of  the  bible  alone,  unaccom- 
panied by  the  prayer  book,  the  proper  and  authorized  sym* 
bol  of  the  established  church,  must  ultimately  prove  fatal 
to  that  church  ;  and  yet,  if  the  prayer  book  be  in  accord- 
ance with  the  bible,  as  all  the  members  of  the  established 
church  believe  and  avow,  does  it  not  seem  at  variance  with 
the  allowed  connexion  of  cause  and  effect,  to  suppose 
that  a  principle,  in  its  tendency  and  design,  can  be  subver- 
sive of  that  with  which  it  is  identified  ;  or  that  the  bible, 
which  propagates  nothmg  but  truth,  and  therefore  is  oppo- 
sed to  nothing  but  error,  can  possibly  lead  to  such  a  con- 
sequence ?  It  would  certainly  have  been  a  strange  ano- 
maly in  morals,  as  well  as  in  philosophy,  for  the  future  his- 
torian to  have  recorded,  that  in  the  sixteenth  century,  the 
Church  of  England  was  first  erected  on  the  foundation  of 
the  bible,  and  of  the  bible  alone  ;  and  yet,  in  the  nineteenth 
century,  that  it  was  undermined,  and  finally  overthrown  by 
the  same  instrumentality  :  thus  exhibiting  the  extraordina- 
ry spectacle  of  a  church,  subverted  by  the  same  cause  to 
which  it  owed  its  establishment.  The  truth  is,  the  Church 
of  England  will  increase  in  stability  and  prosperity,  in  pro- 
portion to  its  adherence  to  the  bible.  It  has  only  to  fear 
"  the  worm  at  the  root,"  the  decay  of  sound  and  scriptural 
principles  among  its  rulers  and  members. 

The  unpromising  state  of  public  feeling,  prior  to  the 
estabhshment  of  these  societies,  has  already  been  adverted 
to.  The  change  subsequently  produced,  is  obvious  to  all. 
We  may  hence  learn  an  important  lesson  : — a  nation, 
comparatively  speaking,  may  be  sunk  in  religious  apathy  : 
the  zeal  and  piety  of  churches  may  lie  dormant,  and  the 
prospect  may  appear  dark  and  lowering.  But  amidst 
general  declensions,  some  characters  are  always  preserved 
by  the  power  and  grace  of  God  from  the  contaminating 
eflfects  of  the  surrounding  lukewarmness  ;  and  it  is  to  their 
efforts  that  we  must  look,  at  such  times,  for  tlie  needed 
revival.  If  it  be  asked,  how  are  those  efforts  to  be  em- 
ployed ?  We  answer,  strike  the  rock  at  the  divine  com- 
mand, and  never  doubt  but  that  a  plentiful  stream  will 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  W 

follow.  Means  must  be  used  in  dependence  upon  a  divine 
power  :  the  minds  of  men  must  be  excited.  They  have 
intelligence,  affection,  conscience,  and  capacities  of  action. 
These  properties  may  grow  torpid,  yet  not  be  extinguished  ; 
they  require  to  be  called  into  action.  Let  us  deal,  then, 
with  men  as  moral  agents.  Let  us  address  to  the  under- 
standing, arwumerits  calculated  to  inform  and  convince — 
to  the  heart,  what  is  likely  to  win  and  engage — and  to  the 
conscience,  what  is  best  suited  to  rouse  it  from  its  state  of 
torpor  Let  us  apply  the  exciting  principle,  and  be  un- 
wearied in  invoking  the  divine  blessing,  which  can  alone 
crown  our  efforts  with  success,  and  God  will  open  rivers 
in  high  places,  and  fountains  in  the  midst  of  tlie  valleys  ; 
he  mil  make  the  wilderness  a  pool  of  water,  and  the  dry 
land  springs  of  water  — Isa.  xli    18. 

Let  churches  and  states,  legislators  and  prelates,  minis- 
ters of  the  sanctuary  and  individuals  in  their  respective 
families,  adopt  this  principle  ;  and  communities  will  pros- 
per, churches  will  levive,  and  the  domestic  altar  will  never 
want  a  sacrifice,  nor  God  withhold  a  blessing. 

And  yet  it  is  this  very  principle  of  excitement,  as  ap- 
plied to  the  religious  institutions  of  the  day,  which  has 
been  most  strongly  censured  The  system  of  public 
meetings,  the  addresses  sermons,  biblical  and  missionary 
tours  have  been  the  subject  of  severe  reprehension  with 
the  opponents  of  these  societies.  But  it  is  this  very  sys- 
tem which  has  elicited  the  moral  energies  of  the  country, 
which  has  given  one  simultaneous  and  unparalleled  im- 
pulse to  all  its  public  institutions — which,  by  its  direct  or 
indirect  tendency,  has  localized  among  us  every  form  of 
charity  that  can  afford  an  asylum  to  distress : — to  crime, 
the  means  of  reformation — to  i  "norance,  the  benefit  of  in- 
struction ; — and  to  penitent  guilt,  the  hope  of  mercy  and 
salvation.  It  is  to  the  publicity  of  these  societies,  next  to 
their  intrinsic  value  and  importance,  that  we  are  to  ascribe 
so  large  a  portion  of  their  popularity  and  success.  If 
ihey  were  leas  public,  they  would  be  less  known  ;  if  they 
were  less  known,  they  would  be  less  supported  ;  and  if 


100  MEMOIRS    OF    THfi 

they  were  less  supported,  their  efficiency  would  be  pro- 
portionably  impaired  An  institution,  to  be  popular,  must 
be  brought  in  contact  vnth  public  opinion.  The  men  wlio 
conduct  it  must  be  seen,  heard^knovm,  loved,  and  respected; 
the  subject  of  it  must  be  carried  home  to  the  heart,  and 
descend  through  all  the  various  gradations  m  society  ;  be 
as  accessible  to  the  poor  as  to  the  rich — to  the  unlearned, 
as  to  the  learned — to  the  humblest  cottage,  as  well  as  to 
the  lordly  mansion.  It  will  thus  secure  the  patronage  and 
liberality  of  the  wealthy,  the  approbation  of  the  wise,  and 
the  benediction  of  the  poor.  These  advantages  have 
pre-eminently  distinguished  the  institutions  of  which  we 
are  speaking ;  and,  so  long  as  the  principle  of  publicity 
characterizes  almost  every  undertaking  of  a  secular  nature^ 
why  are  religious  objects  alone  to  be  debarred  from  the 
benefit  of  this  principle,  where  the  application  of  strong 
stimulants  is  the  more  necessary-  in  proportion  as  the  end 
proposed  is  more  momentous,  and  men  less  disposed  ta 
appreciate  its  importance  ? 

The  real  and  only  question  for  consideration  is,  whether 
public  societies  can  be  effectively  carried  on  without  the 
agency  of  public  advocates  ?  The  result  of  experience  is, 
that  societies,  depending  only  on  local  means  for  their 
support,  are  in  the  most  declining  state.  Men,  too,  who 
are  in  the  habit  of  contributing  their  money  to  a  public 
cause,  think,  and  with  justice,  that  they  are  entitled,  in 
return,  to  a  detail  of  its  operations  from  those  who,  by 
their  connexion  with  the  parent  institution,  and  from  the 
sources  to  which  they  have  access,  are  best  qualified  to 
communicate  information.  Admitting,  then,  the  justness 
of  this  remark — from  what  class  aie  public  advocates  to 
be  selected  ?  From  among  laymen  or  ministers-?  The 
professional  habits,  experience,  and  education  of  the  latter, 
evidently  constitute  them  the  fittest  organs  of  communica- 
tion to  all  religious  institutions.  How  to  reconcile  these 
public  exertions  with  parochial  duties,  is,  therefore,  the 
only  remaining  consideration.  Let  it  be  observed,  that 
every  clergyman  is  legally  entitled  to  an  absence  of  three 


REV.  LEGH   RICHMOND.  101" 

months  in  every  year,  on  the  presumption,  thai  he  will  pro- 
vide a  proper  substitute  *  If,  then,  a  minister,  uncon- 
nected with  public  objects  should  choose  to  avail  himself 
of  this  privilege,  for  the  purpose  of  allowable  recreation, 
or  from  any  other  motive,  would  his  conduct  be  considered 
us  affording  any  reasonable  ground  for  reproach  ?  Why, 
then,  should  another  minister,  in  the  exercise  of  the  same 
privilege,  and  using  the  same  precautions,  be  the  subject 
of  animadversion,  because,  instead  of  appropriating  the 
allotted  period  to  a  watering-place,  or  to  any  other  object, 
his  principles  and  conscience  lead  him  to  devote  his  time 
to  the  more  important  claims  of  a  religious  institution  ? 

Each  itinerates ;  each  is  occasionally  absent  from  his 
parish — with  this  distinction,  that  one  is  occupied  with 
engagements  most  interesting  to  himself;  the  other  con- 
secrates his  time,  his  talents,  and  his  strength,  to  the  ser- 
vice of  the  cause  of  God  ;  and  leaves  for  a  while,  the 
limited,  though  important,  scene  of  his  own  parish,  to  aid 
in  the  dissemination  of  light  and  knowledge  to  the  remo- 
test regions  of  the  earth. 

In  the  navy,  no  means  existed  for  distributing  the  book 
of  common  prayer  among  that  valuable  body  of  men, 
who  risk  their  lives  for  the  defence  of  their  country.  The 
society  was  formed  to  supply  this  deficiency.  !6ut,  inde- 
pendently of  this  call  for  its  exertions,  we  would  ask,  were 
not  prayer  books  generally  published  and  circulated  at 
that  time,  without  the  insertion  of  the  articles  of  our 
Church — those  articles  which  are  the  appointed  standard 
of  her  doctrine,  the  guide  to  her  worshippers,  and  the  in- 
tended security  against  all  declensions  and  corruptions  in 
her  faith  ?  As  a  consequence  of  this  omission,  were  not 
a  large  portion  of  her  members  utterly  unacquainted  with 
the  very  existence  of  those  articles — and  was  not  a  refe- 
rence to  them,  in  the  pulpit,  a  matter  of  rare  occurrence  ? 

*  This  has  reference  to  ministers  of  the  established  church. 

Am.  £o. 
10* 


i02  MEMOIRS    aF    THE 

We  would  also  ask,  whether  a  single  copy  of  the  hook  of 
homilies  was  to  be  obtained  through  the  medium  of  any  ex- 
isting society  in  the  Church  of  England  ?  And  yet,  were 
not  these  very  homilies  set  forth  by  authority,  originally 
appointed  to  be  read  in  churches  by  the  ministers,  dili- 
gently and  distinctly  ?  and  are  they  not  recognized  in  the 
articles,  to  which  every  minister  declares  his  solemn  as- 
sent, as  ''  containing  a  godly  and  wholesome  doctrine  ?" 
When,  therefore,  these  necessary  bulwarks  of  our  Churchy 
the  articles  which  record  her  faith,  and  the  homilies 
which  illustrate  and  enforce  it,  were  thus  almost  inacces- 
sible, we  would  demand  of  every  impartial  and  reflecting 
mind,  whether  there  was  no  just  ground  of  apprehension, 
that  the  purity  of  Christian  doctrine  might  be  ultimately 
corrupted  ? — whether  the  general  tone  of  preaching  in 
our  pulpits  at  that  time,  and  before  that  time,  did  not  in 
many  respects,  justify  that  apprehension  ? — and  whether 
doctrine  was  not  treated  as  an  inconsiderable  part  of 
Christianity,  and  practical  duties  held  up  as  the  sum  ai)4 
substance  of  all  true  religion  ? 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  lOS 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Retiew  of  his  Anniversary  Sermon  for  the  Church  Mis- 
sionary Society — Meeting  at  Bedford,  in  behalf  of  the 
Jews — Bedfordshire  Bible  Society —  Tours  for  the  Jew- 
ish and  Church  Missionary  Societies — Extracts  from 
his  journal. 

We  have  before  alluded  to  the  anniversary  sermon, 
preached  by  Mr.  Richmond,^  for  the  Church  Missionar} 
Society,  in  May,  1 H09.  It  is  much  to  be  lamented,  that 
one  so  capable  of  contributing  to  the  stock  of  valuable 
theological  literature,  should  have  composed  only  tliree 
sermons  for  the  press  :  two  of  them  published  during  his. 
residence  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  the  third,  which  we 
now  propose  to  review,  after  his  removal  to  Turvey.  This 
deficiency  of  printed  discourses,  is  the  frequent  conse- 
quenoe  of  extempore  preaching  ;  and  ministers  of  ac- 
knowledged talents  and  usefulness,  would  do  well  to  re- 
member, that  they  owe  to  the  Church  some  more  lasting 
memorials  of  their  pastoral  labours,  and  of  their  zeal  for 
the  general  interests  of  religion. 

Mr.  Richmond  has  received  many  an  urgent  represen- 
tation from  the  writer,  on  this  subject :  but  his  unceasing 
engagements,  his  extensive  correspondence,  and  the  morr 
immediate  claims  of  duty,  were  always  pleaded  in  excuse. 
An  examination  of  the  missionary  sermon  will  enable  the 
reader  to  form  some  judgment  of  Mr.  Richmond's  powers 
of  composition,  as  well  as  afford  an  illustration  of  his  sen 
timents  on  the  important  subject  of  missions. 

His  text  is  taken  from  John  xxi.  16. — "He  saith  unto 
him  again,  the  second  time,  *-  Simon,,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest 
\hoa  ne  ?*    He  saith  unto  him^  *  Yea,  Lord,  thou  knowest 


104  MKMotnH  or  ixi 

iliiil  I  lovp  tli(M\'     ItrDiiilli  liiiloliiiii.  '  I  (mmI  my  Miotip.'  ' 
i'lMitiiiohliii^  on  {\wnp  vvoi'di*,  lio  nuiiioiiiin'N  - 

\f*{  'V\w  nnliii'p  niid  (lr>(«i^tl  uf  the  ooiiiiiiiNniun  ^Ivffti  l>> 
our  Loiil  lo  iV'Inr. 

Vt(l  TliM  ii|i|)li(Milioii  of  tlin  roittinniKiiiKMit  to  I'ond  (li(« 
i4)itirt|t  or  (^hriivl,  NN  it  n^npiM'tt*  the  luMtilini  iituioii^i  nitd  our 
own  imi'rOonf).  in  onlor  to  Www  conviMiiion. 

(Indnr  tlui  Ih'Kt  liriid.  \w  ittiritv  (lowMittoN  (Itn  pmMdinr  )n- 
tjiront  niul  Nolnnudty  ol'tlifi  iicrunlun  .— Ilio  (|ut«»<tion  pi'o|»u- 
wnd  I  "  liovo»«t  thou  nu^  f"  Tlio  iuikwim' yivrn  i  "  Yoti. 
Lord,  thou  knowrM  thiit  I  lovii  th««n  "  Tho  wurcoMivo  ro- 
|uititiou  ol'  ihn  (|unntion.  luui  INMor'n  iiwNt^vorntion.  '  Lord* 
ih(Miuh  knowf>!<t  III)  thiu^N,  though  l<U)>wi<r«t  thiii  1  lovr 
llu<o  r*  iilui  th(«  OnnI  (MtMinuiud  id'  tlin  Hitviour.  ohodinnro 
to  whii'h  iw  thii  toKt  (d*  tho  wii.fM'iity  id' thn  prcdoMioii  i 
••  r«in«l  my  whonp."  Tho  motivn  of  lovn  lo  ( *hrj«l  in  ih'dti- 
cod  nK  tho  (tidy  luliMjunto  nml  mM-iptund  MtinuduH  to  miMioii- 
ury  rxoriiou  ;  nnd  tht^  (Minuititiuhn<*nt  ^iv(<n.  to  Innd  hi^ 
(looki  (hudnniN  thn  nnliH-o  mid  ohpn^t  ol'  the  dutv  rnpdrnd, 
Tho  iipplioutiou  ol'  th»^  vvhoh^  lo  ouiwdvow,  in  inlorrod  I^>om» 
\\w  (Muniuiwwiou  ^ivnn  lo  IN'tor  mid  \\\v  uponth'K,  wn  l\\v  tv- 
pirDonliitivdM  ol'  Ihn  rhurrh  univn'F«til  to  thi*  I'lid  of  limn  ; 
niid  iVom  \\w  Tnrl,  thul  ^:(iiirni)  rNhmttiliiMiN.  u(M*ompnuiod 
bVi  nud  IhuiuhMl  upon,  ('hrinrM  ^imumiiI  in'oiuirtrn  to  iiiM 
Hiurt^hi  ndmil  of  no  limilntiou,  iiilhor  ol  tlino.ur  plnon. 
I'ndnr  \\\n  nooiuid  hrnd,  ho  luuulrti»— 

Who  mo  tho  whoop  (d'  ( 'hn»t  ? 

W'hff  ou^hl  I  hoy  to  ho  Ibd  ? 

WhPn  f 

lly  whm  f 

VVitli«Mii<  lood  inuot  tlioy  b«  ftMl,  iinuriNhod;  itndiiuppcu'l- 
<«d? 

Wo  puw  (»vor  tho  Ih'nt,  n«  ohvioux  hi  ilK  moiinlnir.  To 
>ho  Kooond  impiiiy,  ••  Whvi"  iVo.  ho  ropHoK — •'  lloonuKo 
tho  hoitlhon  tiro  without  (^hrii«t  -nhoiiM  IVom  tho  (Mmiuuui- 
woitUh  ol'  iNiitol,  mul  filrun^ont  IVom  tho  oovounnt«  of  pro* 


Ntlft9 )  tinving  no  liopoi  uiui  without  ilml  In  tho  wogd 


RBV.  LSQR  RICHMOM).  105 

And*  ho  adds,  thnt  our  own  opportunities  of  asrortaining 
their  present  ulutr,  fully  provrd  it  to  Imv  in  nil  n'spivts,  unn- 
logouH  to  tlu'ir  fornior  wtato,  a>  dfwnluMi  by  tho  apoHth*, 
Ram.  i  ^1.  ;  although,  undor  Hponotus  hut  vtM-y  o(|Uivoral 
I  >M!<  to  candour,  sonir  had   inainiauird   a  contrary 

-Ml  ; — which  he  consulcrtMl  to  \w  opposed  to  tlic 
honour  of  (umI  an<i  the  testimony  of  his  .revealed  word. 

Mr.  Kirhniond  tpiotes  the  well  known  and  modest  Inn*' 
f^un^e  of  Hishop  Ixidley,*  «»  expressive  ot*  his  own  teel- 
mps,  in  n'sptx'tofa  subject  ronlesseiily  inysterioun  : — *'  In 
these  nmttere  i  nin  so  feHiful  that  I  dnn*  not  speak  lurther  ; 
yen,  almost  none  otherwise,  thnn  the  vttrv  text  doth,  as  it 
were,  lead  me  hy  the  hand."  Yet.  with  respect  to  the 
atntr  of  the  heathen,  Mr.  Kichmond  ohservj^s  ; — »•  I  think 
the  nature  of  the  covenant  of  ^racc  is  so  clearly  stated  in 
the  won!  of  (Jo<l,  and  the  condition  of  sinners  so  plainly 
there  descriheil,  thit  it  is  no  presumption  to  adopt  the  con- 
clusion of  the  primitive  church,  as  expressiMJ  in  the  terms 
of  our  own  article — that  •  men  cannot  l»(?  sav»'d  hy  the  lijfht 
of  natim».  f'or  holy  'Scripture  doth  set  out  unto  ua  only 
the  name  of  Jesus  tMirist,  whereby  men  inuat  be  saved.'  " 
— .4rr.  18 

lie  a<lds — «♦  ft  mny  with  propriety  be  aski'd,  whether 
any  thin^  short  of  the  absolute  demoiiMtration  of  their 
safety  witlioni  ('lui*itianity,  can  justify  our  withholding; 
from  them  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of  salvation  by  C'brist 
Jesua.** 

As  to  irhfn  this  duty  is  to  be  undertaken  he  unheaitatinf^- 
ly  answers — *'  Now  is  the  accepted  tiroo»^iM«hold  now  is 
the  day  of  salvation.** 

He  then  recites  the  following  circumstances,  to  point 
out  the  present  as  a  season  of  special  hope  and  promise, 
VIE  : — 

The  great  increase  of  Gospel  light  and  knowledge  among 
us,  of  late  yenrs. 

The  revival  of  the  principl«»s  of  the  primitive  church, 
and  of  the  reformation. 

<  Sm  *  rsthwi  of  ths  Eng liih  ohuroh,*  vol.  iv.  p.  149. 


106  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Our  present  freedom  from  papal  tyranny,  the  experience 
of  whicfi  prevented  the  martyrs  and  confessors  of  our  pro- 
testant  faith  from  engaging  in  so  holy  a  cause,  leaving  the 
duty  to  be  fulfilled  by  succeeding  generations. 

The  growing  attention  to  prophecy,  as  it  concerns  the 
downfall  of  the  papacv,  the  restoration  of  the  Jews, 
the  conversion  of  tlie  Gentiles,  and  the  approach  of  the 
millenium  :  all  which  subjects  are  intimately  connected 
with  missionary  plans. 

The  naval  and  commercial  eminence  of  this  country,  and 
the  ample  facilities  enjoyed  by  it,  for  the  promotion  of  such 
an  undertaking. 

Again, — "  By  whom  are  the  sheep  of  Christ  among  the 
Heathen  to  be  fed  ?" 

This  duty  devolves  evidently  on  the  visible  churches  of 
Christ,  which,  by  their  principle  and  constitution,  are  mis- 
sionary bodies  ;  but  more  especially  does  this  duty  rest 
with  the  Protestant  churches,  which,  by  the  actual  princi- 
ples they  profess,  are  alike  called  upon  to  protest  against 
the  idolatry  of  the  Heathen  tribes,  and  the  idolatry  of  the 
church  of  Rome. 

Here  he  notices  the  triumphant  boast,  often  uttered  by 
the  church  of  Rome,  though  less  applicable  to  the  times  in 
which  we  now  live  "  It  has  never  ceased,"  says  Mura- 
tori,  their  zealous  historian  and  partizan,  "sending  into 
divers  parts  of  the  earth  fervent  labourers  to  plant  the 
true  faith."  *'  Let  the  modern  sectaries  (the  Protestants) 
be  considered  :  this  heroic  charity  vvili  not  be  found  among 
them.  They  leave  the  bringing  over  of  idolaters  and  infi- 
dels to  the  belief  of  the  Gospel,  to  the  missionaries  of  the 
Catholic  church  ;  and  freely  resign  to  them  the  inestima- 
ble advantage  of  being  consumed  with  evangelical  labours, 
and  exposing  their  lives  to  enlarge  the  kingdom  of  Jesus 
Christ."  "  Hence,"  the  historian  adds,  "  the  church  in 
communion  w^ith  Rome,  is  the  only  one  that  keeps  up  the 
first  spirit  of  Christianity  :  she  alone,  like  the  primitive 
church,  abounds  in  apostles  and  martyrs :  henjce,  she 
alone  is  the  true  spouse  of  the  Saviour  of  mankind/ ' 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  107 

From  this  reflection  of  Muratori,  Mr.  Richmond  takes 
occasion  to  call  upon  Protestant  churches  to  wipe  away 
the  reproach. 

"  Let  the  superior  purity  of  the  religion  which  we  pro- 
fess, be  made  manifest  in  our  superior  union  of  the  various 
qualifications,  which  are  requisite  to  adorn  and  give  energy 
to  the  cause  of  missions." 

The  church  of  England,  in  particular,  ought  to  be  found 
among  the  foremost  of  her  Protestant  sisters  in  this  glori- 
ous exertion.  The  purity  of  her  doctrines,  and  the  con- 
formity of  her  government  to  the  primitive  model,  &c. 
unite  in  distinguishing  her  as  highly  qualified  for  this 
mighty  conquest  over  the  powers  of  darkness. 

In  answering  the  inquiry, — "  who  shall  be  the  mission- 
aries ?"  he  observes  ;  "  the  shepherds  whom  you  set  apart 
to  this  honourable  labour  of  feeding  and  nourishing  souls 
for  Christ,  must  be  men  who  love  Christ  for  the  salvation 
which  he  hath  wrought  in  their  own  souls  ;  men,  who  '  feel 
in  themselves  the  working  of  the  Spirit  of  C'hrist,  mortify- 
ing the  works  of  the  flesh,  and  their  earthly  members,  and 
drawing  up  their  mind  to  high  and  heavenly  things.'  " — 
{Art,  17  )  They  must  be  men,  not  of  warmth  and  zeal 
alone,  but  of  solidity,  patience,  and  perseverance  ;  men 
who,  like  their  Lord,  can  endure  the  contradiction  of  sinners. 
For  the  most  part,  it  is  not  so  often  men  of  extensive  learn- 
ing, of  genius,  and  superior  literary  talents,  who  arc  want- 
ed, as  men  of  simplicity  and  sincerity  ;  men  of  prayer  and 
meditation  ;  men  who  so  love  Christ,  as  to  be  willing  to 
spend  and  be  spent,  for  his  sake  ;  men  of  subdued  passions 
and  mortified  minds,  who  patiently  wait  for  the  coming  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  his  next  important  inquiry, — "  wherewith  they  are  to 
be  fed,"  the  following  remarks  claim  the  attention  of  all 
who  are  engaged  in  the  cause  of  missions. 

"  Preach  Christ,  as  a  free,  full,  perfect,  and  all-suflTicient 
Saviour  to  the  greatest  of  sinners.  The  sheep  of  Christ, 
whether  at  home  or  abroad,  will  hear  and  know  tlicir  own 
good  Shepherd's  voice,  and  none  other.      Proclaim,  as 


108  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

from  the  house-top, '  that  God  commendeth  his  love  towards^ 
us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us  ;' 
and  thus  accomplished  that  wonder  of  men  and  angels, 
•  that  God  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  the  sinner 
which  belie veth  in  Jesus.'  " 

"  Preach  to  them  the  blood  of  Christ :  its  atoning  and 
cleansiqg  power.  Send  over  your  missionary  shepherds, 
to  feed  the  flock  of  Christ  among  the  Heathen,  with  the 
wholesome  bread  and  the  pure  water  of  life  We  must 
not  trifle  in  this  matter.  It  is  the  cause  of  God  and  truth. 
Mingle  therefore  nothing  with  their  food ;  disguise  it  not 
with  any  self-accomodating  explanations.  It  is  not  the 
equivocal  language  of  a  mere  fashionable  profession  of  the 
Gospel,  that  will  convey  the  word  and  substance  of  sal- 
vation to  the  soul  of  either  a  nominal  Christian,  or  a  real 
Heathen. 

"  Let  the  hemisphere  of  light,  which  is  to  burst  upon  the 
dark  mountains  where  now  the  heathen  sheep  are  scattered, 
be  unsullied  ard  without  a  cloud.  Be  ye  pastors  ac- 
cording to  God's  heart,  and  feed  them  with  knowledge 
and  understanding,  Christ  living,  Christ  obeying,  Christ 
dying,  Christ  risen,  Christ  ascended,  and  Christ  interceding 
for  sinners  :  this  is  the  true  bread  of  hfe.  "  Our  com- 
mission to  feed  his  sheep  runs  thus  :  *  Go  ye  and  teach 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.'  "  Hence,  the  love  of 
the  Father,  in  giving  sinners  to  Christ;  the  love  of  the 
Son,  in  dying  for  their  redemption ;  and  the  love  of  the 
Spirit,  in  sanctifying  and  preparing  them  for  glory,  are 
the  grand  themes  for  Christian  meditation.  When  these 
invaluable  truths  are  enforced  in  a  practical  and  experi- 
mental manner,  the  sheep  of  Christ  are  truly  fed,  ac- 
cording to  their  good  Shepherd's  design  and  command- 
ment ;  and  so  shall  they  live  and  prosper. 

In  illustration  of  the  foregoing  remarks,  he  quotes  the 
following  testimony  of  Johannes,  a  converted  Heathen, 
and  who  also  became  a  blessed  witness  of  the  truth  to  his 
own  nation.     The  circumstance  is  recorded  in  the  history 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  109 

of  the  missions  of  the  United  Brethren  among  the  Indian 
nations  of  North  America. 

"  Brethren,  I  have  been  a  Heathen,  and  have  grown  old 
amongst  them  ;  therefore  I  know  very  well  how  it  is  with 
the  Heathen,  and  how  they  think.  A  preacher  once  came 
to  us,  desiring  to  instruct  us  ;  and  began  by  proving  to  us, 
that  there  was  a  God.  On  which  we  said  to  him  :  *  Well, 
and  dost  thou  think  we  are  ignorant  of  that  ?  Now  go 
back  again  to  the  place  from  whence  thou  camest.' 

'»  Then  again  another  preacher  came,  and  began  to  in- 
struct us,  saying,  *  you  must  not  steal,  nor  drink  too  much, 
nor  lie,  nor  lead  wicked  lives  '  We  answered  him  :  <  Fool 
that  ihou  art,  dost  thou  think  that  we  do  not  know  that  ? 
Go  and  learn  it  first  thyself,  and  teach  the  people  whom 
thou  belongest  to,  not  to  do  those  things.  For  who  are 
greater  drunkards,  or  thieves,  or  liars,  than  thine  own  peo- 
ple V     Thus,  we  sent  him  away  also. 

"Sometime  after  this.  Christian  Henry,  one  of  the 
Brethren,  came  to  me  into  my  hut,  and  sat  down  by  me. 
The  contents  of  his  discourse  to  me  were  nearly  these  : 
'  I  come  to  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth.  He  sends  mc  to  acquaint  thee,  that  he  would  gladly 
save  thee,  and  make  thee  happy,  and  deliver  thee  from  tlie 
miserable  state  in  which  thou  liest  at  present.  To  this  end 
he  became  a  man,  gave  his  life  a  ransom  for  man,  and  shed 
his  blood  for  man.  All  that  believe  in  the  name  of  this 
Jesus,  obtain  the  forgiveness  of  sin.  To  all  them  that  re- 
ceive him  by  faith,  he  giveth  power  to  become  the  sons 
of  God.  The  Holy  Spirit  dwelleth  in  their  hearts,  and  they 
are  made  free,  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  from  the  slavery 
and  dominion  of  sin.  And  though  thou  art  the  chief  of 
sinners,  yet  if  thou  prayest  to  the  Father  in  his  name,  and 
believest  in  him  as  a  sacrifice  for  thy  sins,  thou  shalt  be 
heard  and  saved,  and  he  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life,  and 
thou  shalt  live  with  him  in  heaven  for  ever.* 

"  When  he  had  finished  his  discourse,  he  lay  down  upon 
a  board  in  my  hut,  fatigued  by  his  journey,  and  fell  into  a 
sound  sleep.     I  thought  within  mvself,  <  What  manner  of 
11 


110  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

man  is  this  ?'  There  he  lies,  and  sleeps  so  sweetly — 1 
might  kill  him,  and  throw  him  into  the  forest,  and  who 
would  regard  it  ?  But  he  is  unconcerned — this  cannot  be 
a  bad  man  ;  he  fears  no  evil,  not  even  from  us,  who  are  so 
savage  ;  but  sleeps  comfortably,  and  places  his  life  in  our 
bands. 

"  However,  I  could  not  forget  his  words ;  they  con- 
stantly recurred  to  my  mind  ;  even  though  I  went  to  sleep, 
yet  I  dreamed  of  the  blood  which  Christ  had  shed  for  us. 
I  thought,  '  this  is  very  strange,  and  quite  different  from 
what  I  have  ever  heard.'  So  J  went  and  interpreted 
Christian  Henry's  words  to  the  other  Indians. 

"  Thus,  through  the  grace  of  God,  an  awakening  took 
place  among  us.  '  1  tell  you,  therefore,  brethren,'  said  he, 
<  preach  to  the  Heathen,  Christ  and  his  blood,  his  suffer- 
ings and  his  death,  if  you  would  have  your  words  to  gain 
entrance  among  them  ;  if  you  wish  to  confer  a  blessing 
upon  them  '  "* 

"  Such  was  the  exhortation  of  Johannes,  the  Indian,  to 
the  missionaries,  founded  upon  the  circumstances  of  his 
own  conversion  to  God." 

But  the  passage  in  Mr.  Richmond's  sermon,  which  pro- 
duced the  strongest  impression  upon  his  hearers,  was  the 
following  : 

"  I  stand  before  you  this  day,  as  an  ambassador  for 
Christ,  in  the  cause  of  those  who  are  ready  to  perish.  In 
his  and  their  name,  I  beseech  you  to  hear  me,  while  I  pro- 
pose a  few  considerations  to  your  attention. 

»'  Consider  the  state  of  the  world,  its  empires,  nations, 
kindred,  and  tribes.  When  a  map  of  the  world  is  pre- 
sented to  the  eye,  with  what  a  variety  of  affections  it  i;^ 
viewed,  according  to  tlic  character  and  pursuits  of  the  in- 
spector ! 

*  See  Crantz's  History  of  the  Greenland  Mission,  a  most  in- 
teresting publication,  in  which  ihe  preaching  of  the  Cross  led  loa 
general  awakening  of  the  Greenlanders,  after  the  preliminary  truths 
of  religion  had  been  brought  before  them  nearly  eighteen  years 
■with  little  or  no  effect. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  Ill 

'♦  The  mere  statesman,  diligently  examines  the  magni> 
tude,  position,  and  boundaries  of  other  countries,  with  a 
sole  reference  to  the  political  aggrandisement  of  his  own. 
Wars,  conquests,  treaties,  alliances,  and  a  multitude  of 
considerations  connected  with  ambition,  power,  and  na- 
tional honour,  dictate  and  accompany  all  his  speculations 
on  the  map.  And  then  he  has  done  with  it,  and  lays  it 
down. 

"  The  merchant  takes  up  the  map,  and  eagerly  traverses 
the  delineation  of  seas,  contine  its,  and  islands,  with  anxious 
inquiry  as  to  pecuniary  profit  and  loss,  trade  and  mer- 
chandise. His  thoughts  are  absorbed  in  considering  how 
much  may  be  gained  by  his  speculations  to  some  distant 
island,  or  foreign  shore.  He  meditates  on  the  track  of  his 
vessel  upon  the  ocean,  marks  its  course  upon  the  hazardous 
waves,  and  is  full  of  agitation  witli  respect  to  its  fate. 
There  is  his  golden  treasure,  and  his  heart  is  there  also. 
As  he  views  the  map,  he  conjectures,  hopes,  fears  ;  and, 
with  much  solicitude,  contemplates  his  future  gains,  or 
dreads  impending  losses.  The  map  is  again  laid  down, 
and  he  has  done  with  it. 

"  The  curious  traveller  takes  up  the  map  of  the  world, 
and  is  occupied  with  the  remembrance  or  anticipation  of 
the  various  customs  manners,  dresses,  languages,  build- 
ings, and  ceremonies  ;  with  a  long  list  of  wonders  and 
amusements,  that  have  engaged  his  attention.  In  such  a 
way,  his  imagination  travels  over  the  whole  globe ;  and 
then  this  man's  contemplations  on  the  map  are  likewise 
concluded. 

"  The  natural  philosopher  investigates  the  various  pro- 
ductions of  this  diversified  globe  with  another  object. 
Theories  of  the  earth's  formation  ;  the  animal,  vegetable, 
and  mineral  kingdoms  ;  the  origin  of  volcanoes,  the  cause 
of  earthquakes,  the  variation  of  the  magnetic  needle — all 
afford  him  endless  subjects  of  examination.  Every  conti- 
nent, sea,  climate  and  zone,  which  the  map  presents  to 
his  eye,  furnishes  him  with  matter  for  inquisitive  specula- 
tion.    And  then,  he  has  done  with  it  also. 


iir 


MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


"  But  when  the  Christian  beholds  the  world's  map,  hr 
has  a  subject  of  investigation  far  beyond  them  all.  What 
they  have  overlooked  and  disregarded,  is  every  thing  to 
him.  His  great  inquiry  is,  '  Show  me  the  visible  kingdom 
of  Christ :  name  the  countries  where  Christ  is  known  and 
worshipped.  Oh  !  when  shall  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ  ? 
When  shall  the  Heathen  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord  ?' 

"  As  his  eye  traverses  the  globe,  he  sighs  over  the  awful 
contrast  which  its  different  portions  exhibit.  His  own 
soul  loves  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  men.  But  how  small  a 
part  of  those  immense  tracts  of  country  which  the  map 
presents  to  his  view,  so  much  as  know  whether  there  be 
any  Christ !  What  nations  immersed  in  Fleathenish  ido- 
latry !  How  many  overrun  with  the  tyrannical  supersti- 
tion of  Mahomet !  Yea,  where  even  the  name  of  Christ 
is  professed,  how  many  are  sunk  into  the  deep  mire  of 
Popish  corruption  or  virtual  infidelity  !  How  small  a  por- 
tion seem,  as  yet,  to  belong  to  Christ ! 

"  He  mourns  over  the  prospect,  but  does  not  lay  dowa 
the  map  and  think  no  more  of  it.  Again  and  again  he 
takes  it  up,  prays  for  the  sheep  of  Christ  m  distant  lands, 
recommends  their  case  to  God,  and  meditates  plans  for 
their  deliverance.  He  surveys  the  vast  continents  of  Asia 
and  Africa,  and,  for  the  most  part,  it  seems  to  be  darkness 
visible.  Then  he  looks  for  his  native  island  at  home,  en- 
deared to  him  by  a  thousand  considerations,  but  most  en- 
deared on  account  of  the  Gospel  light  with  which  she  is 
blessed.  And  shall  not  the  rays  of  that  light  soon  be  dif- 
fused, as  from  a  centre,  to  all  the  surrounding  world  ? 
Doth  not  a  voice  from  above,  in  an  especial  manner,  say 
unto  Britons,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world.'  Wherefore  ? 
Only  for  political  aggrandisement — for  merchandise — for 
travelling  recreation — for  collecting  of  philosophical  rari- 
ties ?  Are  these  your  only  objects  ?  No  ;  saith  liie  Word> 
« Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature  I' 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND. 


113 


**  From  such  a  meditation  on  the  map,  the  Christian  re- 
tires, not  to  slumber  over  the  convictions  of  duty  ;  not  to 
nay  much  and  do  nothing.  He  freights  a  vessel  to  carry 
the  pearl  of  great  price  to  those,  who  neither  know  of  its 
existence  nor  its  value.  The  missionary  is  on  board  the 
ship.  The  messenger  of  God  is  crossing  the  seas  ;  not 
as  formerly,  to  make  the  Ethiopians  afraid,  but  to  proclaim 
the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  the  Heathen,  to  preach  the 
Gospel  to  the  poor  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  to  preach 
deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight  to  the 
blind.  Whilst  the  Christian,  at  home,  who  has  been  the 
instrument  of  sending  him  forth  on  this  errand  of  love, 
anxiously  waits  to  hear  the  happy  news,  that  Dagon  is 
tallen  upon  his  face  to  the  ground,  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  ;  that  Bel  boweth  down,  and  Nebo  stoopeth,  while 
the  great  trumpet  is  blown  ;  and  that  they  which  were 
ready  to  perish  in  the  land  of  Assyria,  and  the  outcasts  in 
the  land  of  Egypt,  are  now  worshipping  the  Lord  in  his 
holy  mount. 

"  O  ye  statesmen,  merchants,  travellers  and  philosophers, 
take  up  your  maps  once  more. 

"  Again  consider  the  state  of  the  church  ;  and  if  you  love 
Christ,  feed  his  sheep." 

He  then  makes  the  following  appeal  to  his  hearers. 

"  Are  you  Christians  ?  How  came  this  ?  Did  no  man 
cross  the  seas  to  teach  your  forefathers  wisdom  ?  Did  no 
missionary  brave  the  perils  of  a  journey  among  your  Hea- 
then ancestors,  because  he  loved  the  sheep  of  Christ  ?  Yea, 
brethren,  through  a  blessing  on  missionary  exertions,  Christ 
visited  Britain.  He  had  a  fold  here,  and  he  sent  some 
faithful  shepherd  to  gather  the  scattered  sheep  into  it.  Go, 
then,  and  feed  tlie  sheep  of  Christ,  as  yourselves  have 
l>cen  fed. 

"  Are  you  Protestants  ?  Then  let  the  names  of  the  first 

Reformers — of  Luther,  Zuinglius,  Calvin,  Tindal,  Cranmer, 

Latimer,  and  all  the  venerable  host  of  faithful  martyrs  and 

confessors  of  their  day,  be  loved  and  honoured  by  you. 

11» 


114  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

They  were  missionaries  at  home  to  your  Popish  ancestors  , 
and  you  were  dehveredfrom  the  mark  of  the  beast  on  yout 
forehead,  by  God's  blessing  on  their  firm  and  consistent 
declaration  of  scriptural  truths.  Those  holy  nien  came 
forth  as  witnesses  for  God  to  a  sinful  and  superstitious 
generation  They  were  as  angels  flying  in  the  midst  of 
heaven,  having  the  everlasting  Gospel  to  preach  unto  them 
that  dwell  on  the  earth.  Show  that  you  vahje  the  blessings 
which  the  first  Protestants  purchased  for  you  with  their 
very  lives,  by  bountiful  and  efficacious  exertion  to  convey 
the  same  truths  to  others.  If  the  Son  hath  made  you  fi*ee, 
then  ye  are  free  indeed.  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely 
give. 

"  Are  5'ou  members  of  the  Church  of  England  ?  Be 
dutifiil  sons  of  an  honourable  and  gracious  mother.  As- 
sist her  with  your  counsels,  your  experience,  your  various 
talents,  your  prayers,  your  time,  and  your  money.  Ena- 
ble her  to  send  forth  messengers  of  love  and  peace  to 
those  who  at  present  have  no  knowledge,  no  Gospel,  no 
church,  no  Christ,  no  God  in  the  world.  Her  doctrines 
are  precious,  for  they  are  the  doctrines  of  the  Cross  :  send 
them  abroad  to  those,  who  know  none  but  the  doctrines  of 
devils. 

"  The  Church  of  England  was  the  glory  of  the  Refor- 
mation. Let  her  be  so  still.  Let  her  character  be  written, 
not  in  the-  empty  boasts  of  nominal  grandeur,  but  in  the 
actual  exhibition  of  the  fi-uits  of  the  Spirit.  Let  her  bo 
distinguished  and  approved  '  by  pureness,  by  knowledge, 
by  long-suffering,  by  kindness-  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  love 
unfeigned,  by  the  word  of  truth,  by  the  power  of  God,  by 
the  armour  of  righteousness  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
lefl.'  Let  her  be  among  the  foremost  to  send  forth  the 
preachers  of  the  Gospel  into  foreign  lands,  and  to  employ 
her  peculiar  advantages  in  the  service  of  Christ.  If  you 
love  the  communion  of  your  church,  and  the  privileges  you 
enjoy  in  it,  multiply  your  contributions  this  day  in  her  be- 
half.    She  pleads  in  a  noble  cause  ;  a  cause  that  proves 


REV.  LEQH  RICHMOND.  115 

her  to  be  the  spouse  of  Christ ;  for  she  longs  and  labours 
for  the  increase  of  his  kingdom,  and  calls  upon  you  to  pro- 
mote it  :  let  her  not  call  in  vain." 

The  collection  on  this  occasion  amounted  to  33 IZ.  \s.  ; 
being  the  largest  sum  ever  contributed  at  any  of  the  anni- 
versary sermons  of  this  society.* 

The  sermon  was  published  with  the  proceedings  of  the 
Church  Missionary  Society.  Yet  as  many  of  the  readers 
of  this  memoir  may  not  possess  that  publication,  we  have 
been  the  more  diffuse  in  our  extracts. 

Mr.  Richmond's  exertions  in  behalf  of  the  religious  so- 
cieties, began  from  this  period  to  form  a  very  prominent 
feature  in  his  life.  His  journals,  which  we  mean  to  lay 
before  the  reader,  will  discover  an  extraordinary  degree  of 
zeal  and  labour,  such  as  few  men  would  attempt  to  equal, 
and  fewer  have  ever  exceeded.  His  correspondence  at  the 
same  time  will  show,  that  so  far  from  sacrjficing  parochial 
or  family  duties  to  his  more  public  engagements,  he  was 
most  strictly  conscientious  in  the  observance  of  them,  [t 
is  admitted,  that  incessant  occupation  in  the  service  of  the 
public,  may  prove  a-  serious  interruption  to  the  due  dis- 
charge of  private  obligations,  and  that  personal  piety  may 
be  endangered  by  the  excitement  and  distraction  of  pubhc 
engagements. 

Mr.  Richmond  formed  an  exception  to  the  too  common 
effect  of  popularity.  So  far  from  being  injured  by  his  ex- 
ertions abroad,  they  seemed  to  invigorate  and  fit  him  for 
the  better  discharge  of  his  duties  at  home  :  and  his  return 
from  these  missionary  tours  was  ever  accompanied  with 
some  signal  revivals  in  his  church  and  family. 

In  the  year  1810,  an  AuxiHary  Society  was  formed  for 
the  county  of  Bedford,  to  co-operate  with  the  London  So- 
ciety for  promoting  Christianity  among  the  Jews.  The 
Parent  Institution  was  not  then  established  on  its  present 
basis,  as  a  Church  Society,  but  comprehended  Christians 

♦  Eqoal  to  one  thotuand  four  hundred  tixty  nine  dollars  and 
eighty  six  cents  In  the  following  pages  the  amounts  collected  will 
be  pat  down  in  dollars  and  cents,  and  not  in  sterling  currency.  A.  E. 


116  AIEUOIRS  OF  THE 

of  every  denomination.  Extempore  addresses  were  at  this 
time  so  unusual,  that  few  persons  were  either  wiUing  or 
able  to  trust  themselves  beyond  a  very  brief  and  limited  ex- 
pression of  their  sentiments  ;  and  the  writer  well  remem- 
bers his  own  nervous  agitation  even  when,  having  de- 
clined to  take  a  more  prominent  part  in  the  business  of  the 
day,  the  less  difficult  office  of  moving  a  vote  of  thanks  to 
the  chairman  was  assigned  to  him.  The  feelings  of  many 
others  he  beheves  were  much  of  the  same  description. 
On  Mr.  Richmond,  therefore,  by  unanimous  consent,  de- 
volved the  task  ot  explaining  the  object  of  the  meeting  ;  in 
doing  which  he  entered  so  fully»  and  with  so  much  ability, 
into  the  past  and  present  Instory  of  the  Jews — the  obliga- 
tions of  the  Christian  world  to  that  remarkable  people  for 
the  fidelity  with  which  they  had  transmitted  the  sacred  text 
— their  claims  on  our  gratitude  and  humanity — the  man- 
ner in  which  those  claims  had  been  requited  and  the  guilt 
of  past  neglect — the  lost  and  degraded  state  of  the  Jews, 
contrasted  with  the  splendour  of  their  future  hopes  ;  that 
one  would  have  supposed  that  he  had  been  studying  no 
other  subject  all  his  life  :  so  ample.  Was  the  knowledge  he 
displayed  and  the  fluency  with  which  he  communicated  it. 

A  similar  meeting  was  afterward  held  at  Kettering,  in 
Northamptonshire,  which  Mr.  Richmond  addressed  with 
equal  readiness,  and  with  a  happy  variety  in  his  ideas,  and 
mode  of  expressing  them.  He  preached  also  on  the  same 
subject,  at  All  Saints'  church,  Northampton,  to  a  very  large 
congregation. 

The  circumstance  that  next  claims  our  attention,  is  the 
formation  of  the  Bedfordshire  Bible  Society,  in  the  autumn 
of  1811.  The  recollections  connected  with  this  event  will 
not  easily  be  obliterated.  The  presence  of  Christians  of 
all  denominations,  assembled,  for  the  first  time  in  that  dis- 
trict within  the  memory  of  man,  to  promote,  by  their  united 
energies,  an  object  equally  dear  to  all, — the  dignity  and 
cordiality  with  which  his  grace  the  Duke  of  Bedford,  the 
president,  declared  his  approbation  of  the  catholic  spirit  and 
enlarged  benevolence  of  the  undertaking, — the  animated 


BEV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  117 

and  powerful  speech  of  the  late  Samael  Whitbread,  Esq., 

the  Christian  character  of  the  respective  addresses,  and 

the  spirit  of  harmony  and  peace  which  pervaded  the  meet- 
ing, awakened  in  every  bosom  the  purest  and  most  exalted 
emotions.  It  was  like  the  meeting  of  risau  and  Jacob  ; 
who,  after  years  of  mutual  alienation  and  distrust,  forgot 
all  past  animosities,  and  fell  on  each  other's  neck,  with 
matual  tears  and  embraces. 

The  public  meeting  at  Bedford  was  attended  with  two- 
important  results  :  the  Huntingdonshire  and  Northampton- 
shire Bible  Societies  owed  their  origin  to  the  interest  ex- 
cited on  that  occasion.  In  the  establishment  of  the  above 
society,  and  in  organizing  county  branches,  at  Luton, 
Leighton  Dunstable,  VVoburn.  Ampthill,  Biggleswade, 
&c.,  Mr.  Richmond  took  an  active  part ;  and  was,  subse- 
quently, in  the  habit  of  attending  their  anniversaries,  and 
n<jt  unfrequently  those  also  that  were  held  in  the  adjoining 
county  of  Northampton. 

We  now  proceed  to  notice  other  labours  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond in  the  Jewish  and  missionary  cause,  in  different  parts 
of  the  kingdom  :  his  own  journal  will  best  illustrate  their 
beneficial  effects.  We  begin  with  his  first  tour  to  the  north 
of  England,  in  the  year  1812. 


118  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


JOITRNAL. 


"  Manchester,  Sunday  morning,  Oct.  25,  181 2.  Arrived 
at  St.  Stephen's,  Sulford,  to  preach  for  the  Sunday  schools  : 
upwards  of  800  children,  and  2000  people  besides,  not- 
withstanding a  very  rainy  morning.  The  srene  highly  grand 
and  animating  ;  and  the  singing  thrilled  through  every  pious 
nerve  and  tender  aifection.  Preached  from  John  xxi.  15, 
*  Feed  my  lambs.'  Collection — ^359  02.  Spoke  with 
much  freedom,  and  hope  I  felt  the  love  of  God  and  of  poor 
children  in  my  heart. 

"  Preached  again  at  the  same  church,  in  the  afternoon, 
from  Rev.  xi.  15.  Church  as  full  as  in  the  morning.  Be- 
fore the  doors  were  opened,  observed  more  than  a  consoli- 
dated acre  of  umbrellas  waiting foi  admittance:  the  church- 
yard was  like  a  tabernacle  of  silk  and  cloth. 

"Went,  in  the  evening  to  ^t.  James'  church  (the  late 
Dr.  Bailey's  )  The  congregation  resembled  a  missionary 
meeting.  With  much  difficulty  I  got  to  the  pulpit — even 
the  pulpit  stairs  were  filled  to  the  top.  Preached  for  the 
Jews,  from  P.mlms  cxxii.  6      Collection — <^238    1 1. 

"  Wednesday,  Oct.  28.  Beautiful  morning,  but  cold. 
Set  off  at  eleven,  to  preach  for  the  Jews,  at  the  lofty,  ro- 
mantically situated  church  of  Mellor,  in  Derbyshire.  Pass- 
ed one  grand  aqueduct ;  was  delighted  with  beautiful  and 
sublime  scenery.  Church  and  parsonage  on  the  top  of  a 
high  precipitous  Derbyshire  mountain.  Prospect,  magni- 
ficent beyond  description  Was  actually  shown  mountains 
in  Carnarvonshire,  100  miles  distant  from  the  spot  I  stood 
on.  Two  mountains  (Kinderscort  and  Ritnmonton,) 
covered  all  over  with  snow,  on  our  right,  while  all  the  trees 
in  the  valleys  and  plains  are  quite  verdant ; — a  sight  I  ne- 
ver saw  befoie. 

'*  Thursday  morning.  Set  off  for  Manchester,  at  half 
past  seven  in  the  morning.  At  seven,  went  to  St.  Cle- 
ment's church.  I  think  I  never  saw  such  a  week-evening 
congregation, — the  largest  church  in  Manchester  full  to 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND,  119 

the  doors  !  I  preached  from  Luke  xix.  41.  Never  felt  such 
liberty  and  power  in  tne  pulpit  on  this  subject  before.  A 
grand  chorus,  exquisitely  sung,  from  the  *  Messiah'  of  Han- 
del, burst  forth  when  the  sermon  ended.  It  had  an  elec- 
trical effect :  towards  the  conclusion,  near  3000  voices  were 
performing  it — it  was  astonishing  !  Collection — $181  22. 
"  Friday  morning.  Went  to  breakfast  with  a  gentle- 
man, who  invited  me  expressly  to  meet  Joseph  Lancaster. 
Passed  two  hours  in  the  most  entertaining  manner,  with 
that  celebrated  character. 

"  Saturday.  Was  occupied  in  meditation  over  three 
new  sermons,  on  the  old  subject,  for  next  day.  Being 
followed  about  by  very  many  of  the  same  hearers,  it  is  ne- 
cessary that  my  discourses  be  as  much  as  possible  diver- 
sified. 

"  Sunday y  Nov.  1 .  Set  out  to  preach  at  the  collegiate 
church  of  Manchester,  to  the  warden,  fellows,  and  congre- 
gation of  that  cathedral  establishment.  A  magnificent  and 
immense  old  church — congregatum  estimated  at  more  than 
6000,  by  the  best  judges.  The  interest  and  popularity 
which  the  cause  and  preaching  excite,  exceed  all  calcula- 
tion. I  never  was  concerned  m  any  thing  that  approach- 
ed it. 

"  Preached  in  the  afternoon,  at  Cheetham  chapel,  near 
Manchester  ; — place  full.  Night,  rained  a  deluge.  Went 
at  seven,  to  preach  at  Ardwick  chapel.  In  spite  of  rain, 
the  place  would  not  hold  the  people.  Collected  about 
}450  in  the  day. 

"  After  the  sermon  in  the  evening,  a  gentleman  of  rank 
begged  to  be  introduced  to  me,  saying,  that  several  ladies 
and  gentlemen  in  the  congregation  were  so  struck,  affect- 
ed, and  convinced  by  what  they  had  heard,  of  the  duty  and 
importance  of  the  cause,  that  he  was  commissioned  to  con- 
vey their  thanks,  and  to  know  in  what  way  they  might  best 
co-operate  in  our  plans,  aid  the  funds,  &c. 

"  Monday^  2.  Went  to  breakfast  with  Mr.  B.,  to  meet 
some  religious  characters,  who  had  expressed  a  desire  to 
converse  with  me :  one  of  them,  a  learned  and  pious  Quaker. 


V20  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

After  breakfast,  a  gentleman  called  on  me,  to  say,  that  Mr. 
G.,  with  whom  I  dined  on  Monday  last,  was  so  much  inte- 
rested with  my  detail  of  the  distresses  of  the  Jewish  people, 
at  his  table,  that  he  sent  a  donation  of  ^44  40  for  them. 
He  added,  that  Mr.  G.  was  httle  less  interested  with  my 
conversational  account  of  the  fire  at  Serampore  ;  and  add- 
ed ^44  40  more,  to  repair  that  loss.  Immediately  after, 
two  other  gentlemen  begged  to  see  me ;  stating,  that  so 
very  great  and  extraordinary  was  the  impression  made  in 
the  town  by  the  five  sermons  I  had  preached,  respecting 
the  Jews,  and  so  desirous  were  very  many  to  pay  a  person- 
al tribute  of  respect  to  me,  that  they  proposed  a  public 
meeting  and  dinner  to  be  called  and  announced,  for  the 
formation  of  an  auxiliary  society  ;  and  introducing  me  to 
the  principal  inhabitants,  in  my  missionary  capacity  :  add- 
ing— '  Sir,  delicacy  forbids  our  stating  all  we  hear  in  your 
behalf;  yet,  the  best  proof  of  the  effect  you  have  produced, 
will  appear  in  the  assembling  and  fruits  of  such  a  meeting.' 
It  was  accordingly  agreed  to ;  and  will  take  place,  I  be- 
lieve, on  Wednesday  the  1 1th. 

«  Went  to  meet  a  female  party,  who  are  all  alive  to  form 
a  ladies'  society,  under  my  direction,  for  the  poor  Jewesses. 
I  am  at  a  loss  to  say,  whether  the  great  cause  of  rehgion 
itself,  or  the  Jewish  question,  seems  to  be  most  connected 
with  this  journey.  May  the  Lord  keep  me  humble  and 
thankful.  I  am  nothing — He  is  every  thing !  '  O  !  the 
depth,'  &LC. 

"  Wednesday,  4.  Set  off,  with  Mr.  Maddock,  for  Man- 
chester :  found  Mr.  Collin.  Went,  at  one  o'clock,  with 
him  and  two  clergymen,  to  Oldham,  eight  miles  off.  Met 
somfe  clergymen  assembled  to  discuss  the  Jewish  business. 
Had  a  pleasant,  profitable  meeting. 

"  At  seven,  we  all  went  to  church.  A  large  congrega- 
tion :  half  of  them  live  400  yards  beneath,  in  the  depth  ol' 
the  coal-pits — a  sable,  grisly  crew.  I  preached  from  Isa. 
Ixvi.,  last  six  words  of  the  13th  verse.  Collected  ^69  46, 
from  the   colliers.      Returned  home  to    Manchester,  at 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  121 

eleven.  Discussed  the  proceedings  for  the  public  meeting 
next  week. 

"  Thursday,  5.  Passed  the  day  at  Manchester.  Found 
a  letter,  from  an  anonymous  writer,  inclosing  two  pounds  :— 

<  A  debt  of  duty  and  gratitude  to  the  poor  Jews,  and 
their  affectionate  missionary,  who  preached  last  night,  at 
Oldham  chapel.' 

"  Sunday,  8.  Went,  at  eight  o'clock,  to  visit  and  exhort 
the  noble  Sunday  school,  under  Mr.  Thistle waite's  man- 
agement. There  are  38  volunteer  teachers,  of  all  ranks. 
A  most  interesting  sight.  The  children  sent  a  petition, 
that  1  might  address  them  ; — there  were  1400. 

"  Morning  service  at  half-past  ten.  I  preached  a  sacra- 
mental sermon  {Luke  xxii.  19.)  In  the  afternoon,  at  half- 
past  two,  a  noble  congregation  assembled.  Preached  for 
the  Jews,  from  Rom.  x.  1.  At  half-past  six,  a  still  more 
numerous  one  appeared  (about  3,500  ;)  and  near  500 
turned  back  for  want  of  room.  All  the  dissenting  meet- 
ings were  shut.  The  scene  and  singing  magnificent,  al- 
most beyond  precedent.  I  preached  from  Ps.  li.  18. 
Never  enjoyed  a  better  opportunity  The  service  con- 
cluded with  that  glory  of  Handel,  the  musical  art,  and  reli- 
gion itself — tlie  Hallelujah  Chorus.  The  church  resounded, 
as  with  the  clear  and  harmonious  strains  of  angels  and 
archangels.  I  was  electrified  from  head  to  foot,  and  could 
not  refrain  from  weeping,  though  I  concealed  many  tears 
of  strong  affection.  Hallelujahs  ran  in  reiterated  peals, 
from  every  part  of  this  immense  congregation  of  united 
Christians — responsive  to  each  other  and  to  the  subject. 
with  such  an  effect  as  perfectly  overwhelmed  me.  Tlio 
organ  was  finely  played  ; — an  excellent  trumpet  was  in  the 
band,  and  added  much  to  the  brilliancy  of  the  effect.  The 
collection  was  $3Q\  70.  Fifteen  guineas  were  in  copper  : 
it  took  three  hours  to  count  it ;  four  men  could  with  diffi- 
culty lift  one  basket  into  the  chaise,  to  convey  it  from  the 
church  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Thistlewaite  !  ! 

"  Tuesday  evening,  10.  Received  a  very  agreeable  visit 
from  a  Quaker,  who  conversed  on  the  subject  of  the  Bible 
12 


12S)  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Society.  Meditated  on  the  best  mode  of  preaching  my 
first  sermon  to  the  Jews  and  Gentiles  of  Manchester,  on 
Thursday  night. 

"  Wednesday  mornings  U.  Went  to  Manchester,  and 
proceeded  to  the  great  room,  where  the  public  meeting 
was  held.  Above  200  ladies,  and  300  gentlemen :  four 
Jews  were  present.  Nothing  could  exceed  the  life  and  in- 
terest of  the  meeting.  Grimshawe,  Collin.  Sir  Thomas 
Horton,  and  Thistlewaite,  all  spoke  exceedingly  well.  I 
spoke  twice  ; — when  the  vote  of  thanks  was  made  to  me, 
gentlemen  and  ladies  all  rose  up,  and  every  hand  was  up- 
lifted in  so  affecting  and  affectionate  a  manner,  that  all  my 
thoughts  melted  into  a  sense  of  unworthiness  and  affection. 

''  At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  a  newspaper,  containing 
some  erroneous  and  invidious  queries  respecting  our  plan, 
was  handed  over  to  me  ;  and  gave  me  a  sudden  and  unex- 
pected opportunity  of  an  extempore  refutation,  much  to  the 
satisfaction  and  amusement  of  the  company.  All  went  of^' 
well.  The  society  was  formed  with  great  prospect  of  pros- 
perity. 

"  The  committee  dined  together.     After  dinner, 

took  an  opportunity  to  tell  me  that  he  had  been  a  gay 
young  man  ;  and  that  he  was,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life, 
so  deeply  impressed,  that  he  trusted  it  never  would  be  ef- 
faced. He  was  humbled  in  the  dust  ;  and  only  desired  to 
repent,  and  seek  mercy  through  the  merits  of  a  long-slighted 
Redeemer.  He  is  the  son  of  one  of  the  first  families  in 
this  neighbourhood.  He  told  me  he  came  to  the  church 
door  at  the  request  of  his  sisters,  to  escort  them  to  the 
evening  sermon  ;  but  while  he  was  lingering.  Providence 
had  brought  him  in  to  hear  me,  and  his  heart  was  aflfected 
in  the  manner  he  had  described.     *  O,  the  depths,'  &c. 

"  Thursday,  12.  Shut  myself  up  for  two  hours,  to  pre- 
pare for  my  sermon  at  night.  The  congregation  not  less 
numerous.  Many  Jews  present :  ten  were  planted  directly 
before  me.  I  preached  from  R$m.  i  16,  17.  Entered 
into  a  full  investigation,  whether  A© -Messiah  is  come  or 
not :  I  made  it  also  a  vehicle  of  pMCtical  address  to  Chiis- 


RBV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  .      123 

tians.  The  service  concluded  with  the  grand  hymn, 
*  Crown  him  Lord  of  all.'  The  Jews  never  took  their  eyes 
off  me,— rooted,  fixed  attention,  from  first  to  last.  My 
address  to  them  was  heard  with  a  solemnity  and  anxiety  of 
countenance  by  all  present,  such  as  I  never  witnessed.  A 
Jew  spoke  to  me  as  I  went  out,  saying,  *  Sir,  we  thank  you 
for  your  kind  spirit  towards  us,  but  you  Christians  do  not 
understand  the  law  and  the  prophets  — Good  night,  Sir.'  "* 

Extracts  from  a  Journal  of  a  Tour  in  1814. 

"  August  8.     Left  Turvey  at  five  in  the  morning.    Dined 

at  C n,  with  dear  J s.      The  savoury  sweetness 

and  friendly  cordiality  of  his  conversation  was,  as  it  ever 
must  be,  delightful  and  edifying.  Arrived  at  Leicester, 
at  eight  in  the  evening,  and  slept  at  my  friend  M — I's. 
There  I  used  to  converse  with  dear  father  Robinson. 
How  solemn  and  interesting  does  death  render  past  recol- 
lections !  Leicester  cannot  but  mourn  the  loss  of  such  a 
man.  He  was  a  father,  friend,  pastor,  counsellor,  and 
preacher,  in  an  eminent  degree.  Peace  and  veneration 
be  to  his  memory  ! 

*  Aug.  9.  Met  Mrs.  B.,  who  informed  me  of  the  most 
distressing  death  of  Mr  J.,  of  London.  I  felt  deeply 
affected.  Lord,  what  is  man  !  who  can  tell  to  what  depths 
even  God's  children  may  be  brought  ?  I  was  glad  to  learn, 
that  he  was  granted  time  and  space  for  repentance,  and 
recovery  of  mind.  Lord,  grant  his  soul  may  be  right 
with  God !  May  we  all  hear  and  fear  The  Lord  be 
merciful  to  his  mteresting  family  In  the  evening,  I 
preached  for  the  Jews,  at  St.  Mary's  church  A  noble 
coogregation.     My  text  was  Matt.  x.  8.      I  found  much 

♦  The  editor,  who  was  present  at  this  sermon,  well  remembers 
the  immense  congreg^tioD,  and  intense  interest  excited  on  this  occa- 
sion. At  that  part  of  the  sermon  where  he  addressed  the  Jews,  who 
were  very  diatingaishable  by  their  expression  of  countenance,  there 
was  the  most  profound  silence,  and  marks  of  the  most  fixed  and  ear- 
nest attention  prevailed  that  he  ever  saw  in  so  large  a  mass  of  peo- 
ple. 


124  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

freedom  in  speaking,  and  thought  God  seemed  to  be  in  the 
midst  of  us.  Very  many  clergymen  and  dissenting  mi- 
nisters were  present.  The  collection  was  ^184  92. 
The  Lord  keep  me  humble,  simple-minded,  and  single- 
eyed. 

"  Aug.  10.  Proceeded  to  Derby  and  Matlock  : — de- 
lighted with  the  High  Tor  ;  resolved  on  its  being  my  text, 
in  illustration  of  Deut.  xxxii.  4.  Congregation,  and  eve- 
ning, quiet,  calm,  and  interesting.  The  beauty  of  this 
place  increases,  to  my  apprehension,  every  time  I  revisit  it. 
Blessed  be  the  Rock  of  salvation !  I  returned  to  M.  B.  by 
late  twilight.  The  scene  exquisitely  fine  God  made  all 
these  beauties  I     May  I  see  Him  in  them ! 

"  Aug,  1 1  Went  to  Bonsai.  It  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
teresting, romantic  spots  I  ever  saw — it  far  exceeds  de- 
scription The  church  and  church-yard  are  remarkably 
interesting.  In  the  evening,  preached  for  the  Jews,  from 
Prw.  iii.  27.  Collection,  ^69  26.  I  had  not  so  much 
freedom  as  sometimes,  but  felt  calm  and  hopeful.  The 
character  of  this  picturesque,  sequestered  village,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  Masson  (Hill)  from  Matlock,  is  beauti- 
ful, wild,  rich,  and  engaging  in  the  extreme. 

"  Aug.  12.  Early  in  the  morning,  I  went  into  the  beautiful 
and  romantically-situated  church-yard,  and  meditated  near 
an  hour.  Here  is  a  remarkably  fine  yew  tree.  In  the 
evening,  I  received  an  invitation  to  preach  for  the  Jews  on 
Sunday  morning,  at  Alfret(m.  I  returned  to  Bonsai,  and, 
at  my  friend  Maddock's  desire,  addressed  a  large  number 
of  young  people  in  the  church,  who  are  under  instruction 
for  an  approaching  confirmation  by  the  bishop.  It  was  a 
pleasing  sight,  and,  I  hope,  a  profitable  time.  How  gra- 
cious is  God  to  body,  soul,  and  spirit ! 

"Aug.  14.  [Sunday.)  We  set  off  for  Alfreton.  I 
preached  for  the  Jews,  fi-om  John  iv.  22.  Collection, 
g69  48.  Returned  to  Bonsai ;  preached  from  Psalms 
viii.  2.  A  church  completely  filled ;  many  visitors  from 
Matlock.      It  was   a  delightful  opportunity  ;     the  Lord 


REV.    LEGH    SICHHOND.  125 

seemed  to  be  present,  amidst  a  worshipping  and  listening 
people.  Such  a  congregation  in  so  romantic  and  beautiful 
a  situation,  is  a  rare  and  interesting  sight.  Returned  to 
the  hotel  to  supper  ;  had  some  very  profitable  conversation 
with  Mrs.  B.,  who  has  been  an  authoress.  How  desirable 
to  endeavour  to  introduce  something  for  God  at  these 
public  places. 

"  August  21 .  (^Sunday.)  Preached  for  the  Jews  at  the 
parish  church  of  Halifax.  It  is  a  remarkably  fine  old 
building  The  day  extremely  wet.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  at  Trinity  church,  in  the  same  town  ;  a  very 
large  congregation.  I  deeply  felt  my  subject.  Immedi- 
ately after  the  second  sermon.  Mr.  C.  and  I  set  off  for 
Iluddersfield.  The  congregation  at  the  church  was  im- 
mense. The  Methodist  chapel  was  shut  up.  The  sight 
of  such  an  assembly  filled  me  with  desire  and  affection. 
I  preached  from  Rom.  xi.  1 5,  with  great  comfort.  The 
occasion  was  in  every  way  interesting.  Collection,  ^305 
24.  One  person  had  put  into  the  plate  two  guineas, 
wrapped  in  a  ten  pound  note!  (^53  72.)  As  soon  as 
the  service  was  over,  the  organ  and  choir  suddenly  began 
the  grand  Hallelujah  Chorus,  and  executed  it  well.  The 
effect  was  sublime,  and  afiected  me  much. 

August  23.  Preached  the  promised  lecture  at  Hud- 
dersfield  church,  from  Eph.  iii.  17 — 19  :  a  very  fine  con- 
gregation, although  an  exceedingly  wet  night.  I  was  very 
earnest  in  my  subject,  and  went  through  it  with  much  so- 
lemn feeling.  The  character  of  this  whole  family,  where 
I  now  am,  is  highly  interesting.  Such  new  friendships 
are,  indeed,  among  the  mercies  of  God  to  travelling  pil- 
grims. 

«  August  27.  Set  off  for  Bradford.  Attended  the 
public  meeting  :  a  very  large  assembly.  Mr.  S.  made  an 
excellent  and  argumentative  speech.  The  venerable  vicar 
was  present.  All  went  off  well.  We  dined  with  Mr.  F.  ; 
the  party  numerous,  spiritual,  and  edifying.  The  conver- 
12* 


126  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

sation  very  interesting.  Returned  to  Leeds,  and,  by  the 
way,  examined  the  fine  ruin  of  Kirkstall  Abbey.  It  is 
highly  grand  and  beautiful. 

"  Angus'  28.  {Sunday.)  Awoke  with  anxiety  respect- 
ing the  sermons  of  the  day,  having  three  to  preach  at  dif- 
ferent churches,  in  the  same  town,  (Leeds.)  Went  in  the 
morning  to  St.  Paul's,  the  church  of  the  late  Rev.  Miles- 
Atkinson  I  preached  for  the  Jews,  from  Rom.  xi.  30,  31. 
Found  myself  strengthened.  In  the  afternoon  preached 
at  St.  John's,  for  the  Jews,  from  Ps.  cii.  12,  13,  Preached 
with  more  satisfaction  than  in  the  morning,  and  felt  much 
for  the  souls  of  those  present.  In  the  evening,  preached 
at  St.  John's,  from  Aiatt.  x.  8  :  a  very  fine  congregation 
indeed.  1  preached  with  great  freedom  to  my  own  feel- 
ings, both  as  to  argument  and  appeal.  My  heart  was 
much  engaged  in  considering  the  great  work  of  the  minis- 
terial calling.  Singing,  veiy  grand  and  impressive.  Col- 
lection, during  the  day,  ^450.  I  have  reason  to  be 
very  thankful  to  God,  for  the  help  and  strength  with  which 
T  was  enabled  to  pursue  my  course  this  day.  ^ 

"  August  29.  Went  to  the  public  meeting  at  the  Music- 
hall,  for  forming  a  Ladies'  Society.  Many  excellent 
speeches  were  made,  which  rendered  the  meeting  pecu- 
liarly interesting.  After  dinner,  went  to  Birstall,  and 
preached  for  the  Jews,  from  Rmn.  x.  1 .  The  church  is 
singularly  venerable  in  architecture,  and  picturesque  in 
character.     It  was  full  in  the  extreme. 

"  Aug.  30.  Arrived  at  Manchester  just  in  time  to  preach 
at  St.  Clement's  Church,  from  Gen.  xvii.  5.,  on  the  united 
influence  of  Jewish  and  Heathen  Missions  on  each  other. 
Afterwards,  prepared  papers  for  a  meeting  next  morning. 
I  felt  my  mind  affected  while  enlarging  on  the  abov(^ 
view  of  the  question. 

**  Aug.  31.  Held  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Auxi- 
liary  Society.  Numerous  attendance.  Preached  in  the 
evening  at  Stanley-bridge  chapel,  from  John  iv.  22^.  Was 
struck  with  seeing  a  monument  to  the  Rev.  John  Kcdl- 


EKV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  V27 

worthy,  aged  thirty-four  He  was  a  college  friend,  and  I 
did  not  know  what  was  become  of  him  In  the  midst  of 
bfe  we  are  m  death  ! 

"  Sept.  1 .  Found  many  letters  ;  one  from  my  dear  wife, 
which  I  answered.  Children  all  well  at  home.  O,  how 
merciful  is  God  !  I  have  laboured  much  this  last  fortnight, 
but  am  in  no  respect  the  worse,  and  in  many  the  better  for 
it.  And  so  may  he  ever  give  his  beloved  rest  ;  not  from, 
but  in  labour.  The  harvest  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers 
are  few.  The  importance  of  such  a  work  as  I  am  en- 
l^aged  in,  appears  daily  more  and  more  in  its  effects  on  in- 
dividuals, places,  and  districts.  May  the  Master  whom  I 
serve,  give  me  strength  according  to  my  day,  and  use  mc 
for  his  own  glory,  and  the  good  of  the  church  of  Christ^ 
where,  when    and  hoto  he  pleaseth  ! 

Sat  up,  before  I  went  to  bed.  and  meditated  on  the 
blessings  which  God  had  mercifully  bestowed  on  me,  in 
giving  me  so  valuable  a  wife,  and  so  many  dear  children. 
I  then  prayed  for  them,  and  retired  to  rest. 

*'  Sept.  3.  Made  two  skeletons  for  Church  Missionary 
sermons,  to  be  preached  at  Buxton  to  morrow.  Proceeded 
thither.  Scenery  lovely.  Buxton  completely  full.  My 
sermon  here  is  an  arduous  task.  God  give  me  strength  to 
go  tlirough  it  to  his  glory  ;  fearless  of  men,  and  anxious  for 
their  spiritual  welfare.  [  find  that  ladies  are  to  collect  at 
the  church  to-morrow. 

^^  Sept.  4.  (Sunday.)  Rose  early,  to  prepare  for  my 
day's  work.  VVent  to  the  new  and  beautiful  chapel.  A 
large  congregation  of  genteel  people.  I  preached  from 
Luke  xix.  42,  for  the  Jews.  I  enjoyed  sufficient  freedom 
from  fear,  so  as  to  be  rendered  comfortable.  Ladies  col- 
lected from  pew  to  pew,  supported  by  gentlemen.  Went 
immediately  afterwards  to  Bakewell,  where  I  preached  for 
the  Church  Missionary  Society,  from  Rom.  iii.  29.  From 
thence  I  went  to  Yeolgrave,  where  I  preached  for  the  same 
cause,  from  Matt.  ix.  37,  38. 

"  Sept.  5.  Rose  early,  and  was  struck  with  the  singular- 
ly beautiful  effect  of  the  morning  fog  or  dew,  roUing,  or 


f'iS  MEMOIRS    OF   THE 

rather  reposing  in  flakes  and  masses  on  the  valley  seen 
from  my  window  The  hills  around  me  were  clear,  the 
sun  shining,  the  objects  in  some  part  of  the  valley  beginning 
to  appear.  At  length  all  became  clear  and  uninterrupted. 
The  whole  was  highly  interesting.  Went  through  the 
beautiful  valley.  Saw  a  comment  on  my  text  last  night ; 
a  lars:e  tract  of  harvest  land,  and  one  solitary  person  rf  ap- 
ing it!  Noticed  a  sublime  and  interesting  mass  of  rocks  ; 
their  shape,  form,  and  character,  worthy  of  the  minutest 
attention.  Wild,  unfrequented,  and  romantic,  in  the  high- 
est decree.  Within  them  is  a  hermit's  cave,  on  the  wall 
of  which  some  pious  artist  has  sculptui  ed  a  crucifix.  Me- 
ditation has  here  scope  for  boundless  action — sceaic,  spi- 
ritual, sublime,  and  beautiful. 

"  Sept.  6.  Received  a  letter  from  my  dear  wife.  All 
well,  (jod  be  praised.  Mercies  still  follow  me.  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul !  and  all  that  is  withm  me  bless  His  holy 
name  ! 

*'  Sept  9.  Attended  a  meeting  of  ladies  and  gentlemen^ 
for  the  Church  Missionary  Society.  Messrs.  Kemp, 
Saunders,  Gell,  Maddock,  and  mystlf,  spoke.  The  col- 
lection, including  two  donations  of  ten  guineas  each,  from 
Lady  E.  Percival,  and  the  Hon.  Mrs  Childers,  after  my 
sermon  last  night,  amounted  to  ^179  69.  This  first  in- 
cursion into  the  very  heart  of  a  watering-place  is  an  ex- 
cellent beginning,  and  promises  well.  We  met  at  the 
dining-room,  just  underneath  the  romantic  rocks  :  shrubs, 
trees,  river,  &c.,  opposite.  I  was  reminded  of  Salvator 
Rosa's  picture  of  John  the  Baptist  preaching  in  the  wil- 
derness. 

"The  Lord  of  grace  and  glory  help  me  in  my  work,  and 
bless  it  to  me,  a  poor  sinner ,  lohile  I  preach  foTf  and  to, 
other  poor  sinners ! 

*^  Sept  11.  (^Sunday.)  Preached  in  the  fine  old  church 
(with  its  most  singular  and  crooked  spire,)  for  the  Church 
Missionary  Society,  from  Mark  xvi.  15.  Set  off  for 
Sheffield.  Proceeded  to  the  parish  church  :  congregation 
computed  at  3500.     Many  Jmndreds  unable  to.  get  in.     \ 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  129 

preached  jointly  (by  express  desire)  for  the  Jews  and  the 
Heathen,  from  Rom.  iii.  29.  Collection— $308  12. 
The  Hallelujah  Chorus  was  grand  and  affecting  in  the 
liighest  degree.  Much  to  be  thankful  for  in  each  of  the 
three  sermons  this  day.  The  collection  was  snid  to  be  the 
largest  ever  made  in  this  church,  on  any  occasion  It  is 
not  easy  to  describe  or  conceive  the  effect  of  such  a  con- 
gregation as  this  at  Sheffield. 

"  Sept.  12.  Most  hospitably  received  at  Mrs.  Walker's. 
Went  to  see  Mr.  Walker's  great  iron- works,  near  Rother- 
ham.  Saw  a  carmon  cast,  and  went  through  the  whole 
manufactory.  It  is  most  ingenious  and  interesting  Saw 
the  rolling-mill,  and  manufacture  of  tin  plates.  Observed 
on  our  return  in  the  evening,  the  effects  of  the  many  sur- 
rounding blazing  furnaces.  The  effect  in  so  fine  a  night  is 
grand  and  beautiful :  some  of  the  fires  on  the  tops  of  high 
hills,  some  on  the  sides,  others  in  the  valleys — some  near, 
others  distant. 

**  Sept.  14  Preached  at  Rotherham  church,  for  the 
Church  issionary  Society.  Text — Matt  xxviii.  19,  20. 
A  fine  congregation.  Dear  Maddock  read  prayers.  Nu- 
merous proofs  hourly  occur  of  the  usefulness  of  my  mis- 
sionary labours,  wherever  we  travel.  Surely,  goodness 
and  mercy  follow  us !     Glory  be  to  God  ! 

"  Sept.  16.  Went  to  Selby.  Preached  for  the  Church 
Missionary  Society.  The  congregation  good  and  attentive. 
My  excellent  friend  Maddock  accompanied  me.  Before 
I  retired  to  rest,  felt  peculiarly  earnest  in  prayer  for  my  be- 
loved wife  and  children.  O !  for  the  Lord  to  crown  them 
with  his  mercies,  temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal ! 

"  Sept.  19.  Received  a  singularly  interesting  letter 
from  the  Russian  princess,  Sophia  Metschertski,  at  St. 
Petersburgh.  Explored  the  romantic  and  beautiful  scenery 
around  Knaresborough.  Went  onto  Studley  Park.  Saw 
the  ruins  of  Fountains'  Abbey  ; — it  far  exceeds  every  thing 
I  have  seen  or  shall  see — imagination  itself  is  filled,  and 
more  than  filled.  I  went  through  the  long  walk  with  that 
vigour,  which  I  only  find  myself  able  to  exert  when  I  travel 


130  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 


and  have  my  mind  strongly  bent  on  interesting  and  rational 
enjoyment. 

"  Sept.  26,  {Sunday.)  Preached  in  the  morning  at  St. 
Paul's,  Leeds,  from  Gen.  xxii.  18.  Dined  with  Mr  H.  ; 
then  preacheti  at  St.  John's,  from  Eph.  ii.  12,  13.  Preach- 
ed in  the  evening,  at  St.  James's,  from  Isa.  \x.  7.  In  the 
morning,  felt  calm  and  comfortable  In  the  evening  found 
most  enjoyment  in  my  work  The  congregation  overflow- 
ing— the  smgmg  universal — the  effect  delightful.  Mis- 
sionaries weie  present.  How  mercifully  the  Lard  carries 
me  through ! — What  shall  I  render  unto  Him  for  all  his 
benefits. 

"  Sept.  26.  Attended  the  public  anniversary  meeting. 
Thirteen  clergymen  spoke.  The  whole  went  off  excellently, 
Drank  tea  wiih  a  large  religious  party  at  Mr  D.'s.  All 
profitable  and  affectionate.  The  Princess  Sophia's  letter 
delights  every  one  that  hears  it. 

^^Sept.  27.  Prea<hed  at  Hiiddersfield,  from  Ps.  xcvi. 
10  Church  crowded  in  the  extreme.  I  was  able  to  speak 
with  great  readiness.      Collection  '^■■ibb  20 

"  Sept  28.  Held  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Hud- 
dersfield  Association  Preached  in  the  evening  at  Al- 
mondbury,  from  Matt  ix  .37,  38.  A  noble  congregation. 
What  strong  testimonials  do  I  daily  receive,  of  the  extensive 
usefulness  of  my  journey!  Surely  God  is  good  indeed, 
in  thus  comforting  my  spirits,  amidst  many  thoughts  of 
anxiety  ! 

"  Oct.  1 . — Prepared  to  leave  Woodhouse, — a  roof  under 
which  I  have  met  with  so  much  to  improve  and  delight, 
that  I  know  not  how  to  express  my  gratitude  to  God  and 
its  owners  as  I  ought  The  five  daughters  gave  me  ^22 
JsO,  as  an  annual  subscription  for  a  negro  rescued  child,  to 
be  called  after  Maddock  and  myself  We  were  requested 
to  plant  two  trees,  as  memorials  of  our  visit  and  friendship. 
M.  planted  an  oak,  and  I  a  Portugal  laurel.  The  whole 
interesting  family  heaped  every  mark  of  regard  and  respect 
upon  us.  I  desire  to  enter  my  record  of  thankfulness  and 
affectionate  pleasure,  which  this  visit  and  intercourse  have 


n 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  131 

excited  in  my  heart  :  in  such  things,  the  Lord  is  good  in- 
deed. Proceeded  to  Bradford.  Heard  fresh  testimonies 
there,  to  the  great  use  of  religious  tours. 

"  Oct  2,  (Sunday.)  Preached  in  the  morning  at  Brad- 
ford church,  from  Rom.  x.  13,  14.  A  fine  congregation. 
Preached  in  the  afternoon  at  the  same  church,  from  Matt. 
ix.  36.  A  still  larger  congregation.  Preached  in  the 
evening  from  Rev.  xi.  16.  Ovei-flowing  congregation  :  I 
never  saw  any  thing  like  it — not  less  than  4000,  certainly. 
Three  collections — ^510  60.  Such  a  day — such  a  church 
— such  a  vicar — such  life — such  attention — such  liberality, 
and  such  general  success,  are  rarely  seen.  I  desire  to 
praise  God  from  my  heart,  for  the  interesting,  animating, 
encouraging  scene,  it  altogether  presented.  I  received 
the  sacrament  from  the  hands  of  |he  venerable,  apostohcal, 
blind  vicar. 

"  Oct.  5.  Met  my  mother  at  Chesterfield.  We  travelled 
together  to  Mansfield.  Proceeded  to  the  church.  A  very 
fine  congregation.  I  preached  from  Rom.  x.  15.  Collec- 
tion— J222.  I  have  had  great  heaviness  of  spirit  since 
Monday  night,  but  I  think  the  Lord  has  blessed  me  in  it. 
He  is  good  and  merciful ! 

"  Oct.  6.  Travelled  to  Bonsai,  where  Maddock  found 
his  wife  and  children  well.  O  !  may  God  grant  that  I  do 
the  same  !  He  has  been  with  me  as  a  Protector  all  the 
way,  and  I  will  trust  him  still !  May  every  tear  be  wiped 
from  my  loved  Mary's  eyes,  and  may  we  again  meet,  with 
Christian  and  connubial  afifection.     Amen 

«*  Oct.  8.  I  parted  with  my  friend  Maddock,  at  six 
o'clock.  God  be  with  him.  He  has  been  an  amiable, 
cheerful,  and  most  interesting  companion  and  coadjutor  ; 
I  love  and  esteem  him  from  my  heart.*  Rejoiced  greatly 
io  the  hope  of  meeting  my  dear  wife  at  Creaton.  I  can 
truly  say  that  that  place  where  she  is,  is  a  dear  home  to 
my  heart  ;  and  home  itself  ceases  to  be  home,  if  she  is  not 

♦  Thi«  •xcellent  man  is  since  departed  to  a  better  world,  beloved 
aod  ettMOMd  by  all  who  knew  him. 


132  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

there.  Lord,  I  bless  thee,  for  having  preserved  me  sali- 
through  a  journey  which  already  exceeds  1160  miles  ;  and 
may  it  be  crowned  by  meeting  her  at  last,  in  love  and  union 
of  soul ! — Arrived  safe  at  Creaton,  and  found  my  dear  wifo 
and  daughter  well.  This  is  a  crowning  mercy,  and  shall 
be  accounted  as  such. 

"  Oct.  1 1.  We  letl  Mr.  Jones'.  Dined  at  Northampton, 
and  arrived  safe  at  Turvey,  at  half-past  seven  o'clock — 
finding  the  dear  children  well.  What  shall  I  render  to  the 
Lord,  for  all  his  benefits  unto  me  ? 

"Thus  ends  a  journey  marked  by  manifold  mercies, 
pleasures,  useful  labours,  and  gratifying  events.  Many 
valuable  friendships  formed  ; — religious  and  personal  in- 
fluence extended  ; — the  cause  both  of  Jews  and  Heathen 
furthered  ; — knowledge  gained,  love  increased,  and  Chris- 
tian esteem  established  and  cemented. — Gloria  Deo  in 
excelms  /" 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  133 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Extracts  from  Journal, — Success  of  these  tours, — Effect 
on  the  interests  of  religion, — His  own  improvement, — that 
of  his  parish  and  family. 

^'August,  1816.  Commenced  a  journey  for  the  Jews* 
and  Church  Missionary  Societies. 

*'  Aug.  27.  Preached  at  Bolton,  to  between  three  and 
four  thousand  people,  for  the  Sunday  schools.  Collection 
— J763  11.  A  piagnificent  appearance.  The  singing  was 
grand  and  impressive  in  the  highest  degree.  Anthems, 
Handel's  Chorusses,  &.c.  were  sung,  and  accompanied  by 
trumpets,  horns,  &c.  in  a  very  fine  style  indeed.  My  mind 
was  much  affected,  and  I  found  considerable  enlargement, 
though  not  without  much  inward  temptation  and  strugglo 
to  the  contrary. 

"  Aug  30.  Went  to  see  Lancaster  church  and  castle. 
The  latter  is  grand  in  a  very  high  degree.  The  modern 
Gothic  court-houses  exceed  any  thing  I  have  ever  seen. 
The  view  from  thence  superb :  sea,  estuaries,  castles, 
mountains,  &c.,  form  a  beautiful  display  of  scenery. 
Examined  the  interior  of  the  castle,  visited  the  criminals, 
&-C.  Had  much  affecting  information  from  Mr.  H.  rela- 
tive to  some  criminals,  executed  at  various  periods.  What 
a  picture  of  man  does  a  gaol  afford  ! — how  it  reminds  me 
of  the  saying  of  John  Bradford,  the  reformer,  on  seeing  a 
criminal  taken  to  the  place  of  execution — <  But  for  the 
grace  of  God,  there  goes  John  Bradford.' 

"  Sept.  6  Saw  Winandermere  Lake  with  astonishment 
and  delight.  Proceeded  te  Ambleside,  where  I  had  a  very 
pleasing  conversation  with  the  Bishop  of  Llandaff.  Pro- 
ceeded, through  the  cnciianting  road  by  Rvdal  Water. 
13 


134  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

Grassmere,  Lealhes  Water,  Helvellyn,  &c.,  to  Keswick, 
whose  beauties  baffle  all  description.  Our  conversation 
was  Christian  and  edifying — all  having  the  greatest  enjoy- 
ment in  the  scenery  and  its  accompaniments. 

"  Sept,  7.  Rose  early,  and  walked  to  examine  the  beau- 
tiful mountain  of  Skiddaw.  After  breakfast,  went  round 
Keswick  Lake.  Saw  the  Barrow  Cascades,  Lowdore  Wa- 
ter-fall, Borrowdale  Falls,  Bowder  Stone,  &c.  All  beyond 
my  description,  or  previous  conception.  After  dinner,  sail- 
ed on  the  Lj  ke,  with  some  other  friends.  All  was  serene 
— lovely — delightful !  The  Lowdore  cannon  was  fired  : 
the  echo  of  the  many  mountains  produced  a  peal  of  perfect 
thunder.  We  sung  hymns  on  the  lake  by  sunset  and  moon- 
light :  the  effect  may  be  better  conceived  than  written. 

"  Sept.  8.  Set  off  at  six,  for  Ulleswater  :  beauty  and 
wonder  in  profusion.  Saw  the  great  mountain  of  Saddle- 
back, and  a  druidical  circle  of  stones.  Crossed  the  Lake 
of  Winandermere,  by  the  west.  Exquisite  moonlight !  Ar- 
rived at  Kendal  at  night.  Of  these  three  days — my  com- 
panions— my  enjoyments,  I  would  write,  but  1  cannot ; — 
they  have  lefl  an  indelible  trace  ;  and  I  bless  God  for  the 
mercy. 

"  Sept  10,  {Sunday.)  Went  to  Tunstal,  and  preached 
for  the  Jews.  Proceeded  to  Lancaster,  and  preached 
again  for  the  Jews.  A  fine  congregation.  Much  help 
from  above  throughout  the  day. 

"  Sept  11.  Dined  with  dear  Mrs.  P.,  at  S.  Lodge.  A 
most  profitable  and  spiritual  party.  It  was  suddenly  pro- 
posed after  dinner,  that  I  should  preach  a  lecture  that  night 
at  Lancaster.  At  two  hours'  notice,  about  1000  people 
were  collected.     I  preached  from  Heb.  xiii.  8. 

*'  Sept,  12.  Passed  an  affectionate  day  with  my  mother 
and  sister.  My  mother,  near  eighty,  walked  a  mile  and  a 
}^alf God  preserve  her !  Had  much  religious  conversa- 
tion. 

««  Sept.  13.  Went  to  C.  Hall  the  seat  of  the  excellent 
C.  W.,  Esq.  Viewed  the  exquisitely  romantic  beauties  of 
Kirby-Lonsdale  church,  church-yard,  and  bridge.     In  the 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  135 

evening,  expounded  the  23d  Psalm  to  a  large  company  of 
friends  and  neighbours. 

«<  Sept,  14.  Left  this  interesting  and  most  edifying  family. 
Proceeded  to  Knaresborough.  Arrived  at  the  friendly 
house  of  Mr.  C.  ;  and  preached,  the  following  daj*,  for 
the  Jews,  from  Luke  xxiv.  47. 

"  Leeds,  Sept.  18  A  delightful  anniversary  meeting  of 
thd  Church  Missionary  Society.  Mr.  Corrie,  from  India, 
gave  most  interesting  details  respecting  that  country  and 
Abdool  Messee,  &,c.  Many  excellent  speeches  :  great 
savour  and  spirituality  throughout  the  whole. 

*•  Sept.  24,  {Sunday.)  Preached  at  St.  Stephen's,  Sal- 
ford,  for  the  Sunday  schools,  from  Johii  iii.  14,  15.  Very 
good  congregation.  In  tlie  afternoon,  preached  again  for 
the  schools,  from  Ps  Ixxii.  4.  Preached  in  the  evening, 
at  St.  Clement's,  from  Gen.  xii.  1,  2,  3.  Congregation 
overflowing.  I  find  by  a  letter,  that  Mr.  C,  of  Bradford, 
has  through  me,  anonymously,  given  ^380  28,  to  the  churc'i 
mission. 

"  Sept.  29.  Attended  the  Jewish  anniversary.  It  was 
rendered  most  interesting  by  the  particulars  communicate! 
about  a  converted  Jew,  Emanuel  Lemon,  who  died  at  Man- 
chester. 1  went  afterward  to  the  house  where  he  died,  and 
spent  two  hours  in  deep  affection,  listening  to  the  simpie 
narratives  of  facts,  from  various  persons,  concerning  this 
singular  convert.  Brought  away  some  memorials  of  him. 
A  very  good  day  indeed. 

Huddersfield,  Oct.  1.  Preached  for  the  Church  Mis- 
sionary Society,  from  Acts  xxvii.  23.  Church  much  crowd- 
ed Preached  in  the  afternoon,  at  Slaithwaite  chapel,  from 
Mark  xvi.  15.  Above  two  thousand  persons  present.  In 
the  evening,  preached  at  Longwood  chapel,  from  Ps. 
Ixxxix.  15,  16.  An  immense  multitude.  Upwards  of 
$350  collected  at  these  three  services.  Had  a  day  of  great 
labour  and  apparent  usefulness.  Was  carried  through, 
very  mercifully,  in  all  the  three  sermons.  I  hear  of  good 
effects  from  my  sermons  of  last  year  in  this  vicinity,  parti- 
cularly that  at  Huddersfield,  from  Eph  iii.  on  the  love  of 
Christ." 


13G 


MEMOIRS  or  THir 


As  the  remaining  parts  of  tliis  tour  refer  to  places  alreaJv 
mentioned  in  the  preceding  accounts,  we  forbear  to  insert 
them  ;  though  they  aflbrd  ample  testimony  to  the  usefulnes:^ 
of  his  labours. 

Tltfere  may  be  a  disposition  in  the  minds  of  some  who 
have  read  these  journals,  to  censure,  rather  than  to  approve. 
The  slender  hold  which  the  Gospel  has  on  their  hearts  and 
affections,  utterly  disqualifies  them  for  estimating  the  spirit 
and  aim  of  a  man  who,  to  use  the  words  of  the  venerable 
Leighton,  counted  the  whole  world,  "in  comparison  of  the 
cross  of  Christ s  one  grand  impertinence.^''  To  such  minds, 
the  royal  prophet  would  seem  ''  vile,"  when  in  the  holy 
exultation  of  bis  spirit,  he  danced  before  the  ark  of  God  ; — 
the  great  apostle  would  seem  to  rave,  in  the  record  of  his 
sufferings  and  labours  ;  and  even  the  Saviour  of  the  world 
to  be  "  beside  himself,"  while  he  found  it  his  meat  and  his 
drink  to  do  the  will  of  God.  Such  men  cannot  accommo- 
date to  the  standard  of  their  own  selfish  and  earthly  appre- 
hensions, the  zeal  and  piety  of  one,  who,  "  intent  upon  the 
attainment  of  heaven  (for  himself  or  others)  rejects  with  in- 
dignation- every  attempt  to  degrade  or  deride  subjects  he 
never  recollects  but  with  seriousness  and  anxiety."  Let 
it  be  remembered,  however,  that  "nothing  but  stupidity^ 
or  the  most  irivolous  dissipation  of  thought,  can  make  even 
the  inconsiderate  forget  the  supreme  importance  of  every 
thing  which  relates  to  a  future  existence.  The  most  pre- 
posterous device  by  which  the  weakest  devotee  ever  be- 
lieved he  was  securing  the  happiness  of  a  future  life,  is 
more  rational  than  unconcern  about  it.  Uf)on  this  subject, 
nothing  is  so  absurd  as  indifference — no  folly  so  contempti- 
ble as  thouglitlessness  and  levity."*  Men  may  selfishly 
indulge  themselves,  and  pursue  their  own  imn>ediate  grati- 
fications ;  and  seeing  nothing  valuable  in  religion  be- 
yond the  form,  decry  every  attempt  to  realise  or  exhibit  its 
power.  They  may  affect  to  hide  or  explain  away  the  dire- 
lul  consequences  of  idolatry,  to  the  human  race  ;  and  under 

*  Paley's  Moral  Phil. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  137 

cover  of  a  false-named  charity,  which  is,  in  reality,  no  other 
than  an  indifference,  arising  out  of  ignorance  and  unbelief, 
exclaim, "  What  have  we  to  do  with  other  men's  religions  V 
But  he  who  faithfully  lays  before  his  thoughts  the  awiul 
delusions  and  abominable  crimes  of  millions  of  his  fellow- 
creatures,  and  connects  these  evils  with  the  solemn  and  af- 
fecting declaration  of  the  Bible,  '  the  wages  of  sin  is 
death," — even  "  the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death," — will, 
in  his  own  dehverance  from  them,  "  count  all  things  bul 
loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus 
his  Lord  ;"  and  will  burn  with  a  zeal  even  to  his  consuming, 
till  "  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God." 

These  fragments  were  evidently  not  intended  for  the  pub- 
lic eye.*  They  are  the  simple  details  of  daily  occurren- 
ces ;  designed,  perhaps,  to  interest  his  family,  and  keep 
alive  in  his  own  remembrance,  a  sense  of  the  divine  good- 
ness. Yet,  on  this  account,  they  may  be  regarded  as  the 
more  faithful  witnesses  of  the  scenes  through  which  he 
passed,  and  of  his  views  respecting  them.  It  is  impossible 
to  read  the  facts  recorded,  without  prejudice,  and  not  dis- 
cern in  them  the  man  of  God  ; — his  time  spent  in  laborious 
and  incessant  occupation  ; — a  piety  fervent,  but  rational ; 
with  less  admixture  of  human  infirmity,  than  may  be  found 
in  the  diaries  of  many  other  good  men  ; — a  holy  elevation 
of  spirit  in  the  pursuit  and  possession  of  his  object,  combi- 
ned with  deep  humility  ; — a  habit  of  devotion,  and  increas- 
ing personal  piety,  in  the  midst  of  almost  universal  respect 
and  popularity  ; — a  sense  of  danger,  and  constant  prayer 
to  be  preserved  from  it ; — and  what  perhaps  is  more  than 
all,  in  the  midst  of  labours  unceasing,  various,  and  exciting, 
abrondf — a  constant  eye  to  the  claims  at  home. 

The  editor  has  no  inclination  to  amphfy  the  preceding 
remarks  on  the  missionary  tours  of  his  friend,  except  from 

♦  In  the  above  opinion,  we  most  fully  concur.  There  are  many 
thing;!  so  entirely  of  a  private  nature,  that  we  have  thought  it  pro- 
per to  omit  them  altogether,  and  to  retain  only  such  parts  of  (he 
Journal*,  as  were  more  particularly  connected  with  Mr.  Richmond's 
public  ayency.    An.  Ed. 

13* 


138  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

a  desire  of  rendering  them  useful  to  those  excellent  men* 
who  are  following  the  course  in  which  he  took  the  lead. 
Mr.  Richmond  needed  more  repose  than  he  allowed  him- 
self, and  probably  shortened  his  valuable  hfe  by  overexer- 
tion. 'J'here  is  a  good  deal  of  error  in  the  trite  maxim 
often  quoted,  ''  it  is  better  to  wear  out  than  to  rust  out :" 
surely,  it  is  a  point  of  practical  wisdom,  to  preserve  a  me- 
dium between  indolence  and  over-effort ;  and  the  editor 
cannot  but  consider,  that  exertion  beyond  the  limits  assign- 
ed to  human  power  is  little  better  than  a  moral  suicide.  If 
good  men  were  to  satisfy  themselves  of  the  sinfulness  of 
over-strained  activity,  they  would  submit  to  the  rein  for 
conscience'  sake.  It  appears,  that  besides  the  fatigue  of 
hastening  from  one  place  to  another  to  fulfil  his  engage- 
ments,  Mr.  Richmond  generally  preached  three  sermons 
on  the  sabbath,  and  often  five  or  six  more  in  the  course  of 
the  week.  His  fatigue  was  also  increased  by  the  crowded 
congregations  who  assembled  to  hear  him.  The  hours 
which  should  have  been  given  to  repose,  were  unceasingly 
occupied  in  conducting  family  worship,  and  conversing  at 
every  meal  with  persons  who  were  invited  to  meet  him, 
even  to  the  last  hour  of  the  day.  On  these  occasions  he 
took>  as  was  expected,  a  prominent  part  in  the  conversa- 
tion ;  which  however  useful  to  others,  must  have  insensibly 
exhausted  his  strength.  The  writer,  who  accompanied 
him  in  many  of  these  tours,  often  expressed  a  fear  that  he 
would  soon  become  a  wreck  in  mind  and  body,  as  the  in- 
evitable result  of  such  continued  exertions  His  reply 
was  generally  the  same,  "  I  am  not  fatigued  :  I  do  not  feel 
it ;"  but  the  writer  felt  assured  that  imbecility  or  a  prema- 
ture old  age,  must  soon  succeed  these  unceasing  efforts. 
The  political  and  religious  world  have  had  some  beacons 
held  out  to  them,  from  which  they  might  gather  an  instruc- 
tive warning,  and  learn  to  acknowledge  the  wisdom  of  a 
remark  made  by  an  estimable  character,  "  I  labour  less, 
that  I  may  labour  the  longer  ;"  he  might  have  added,  «  with 
greater  benefit  to  the  church  of  God,  in  the  season  of  ma- 
tured experience  and  ripened  judgment."     In  the  midst  of 


REV.  LEGH  RICBMOND.  139 

these  multiplied  engagements,  the  writer  could  not  refrain 
from  asking  his  friend,  "  whence  do  you  obtain  supplies  for 
these  extraordinary  demands  ?"  Hours  of  retirement  and 
meditation  are  necessary  to  every  Christian  ;  still  more  ne- 
cessary to  the  minister  of  religion,  and  most  of  all  to  those 
who  are  exposed  to  the  temptations  and  distractions  of  public 
life.  The  largest  reservoir  will  fail,  unless  it  receives  con- 
tinual supplies.  Mr  Richmond,  in  these  circumstances, 
felt  his  need  of  redoubled  watchfulness  and  prayer  :  he 
not  only  rose  early  in  the  morning  to  seek  communion  with 
the  Father  of  spirits,  and  retired  early  at  night  from  the 
converse  of  man,  that  he  might  renew  his  strength  in  wait- 
ing upon  God  ;  but  it  was  the  constant  habit  of  his  mind 
throughout  the  day,  by  secret  ejaculations,  to  draw  down 
help  from  above. 

Besides  this,  he  had  by  previous  research  collected  his 
materials,  and  by  close  study  had  so  mastered  his  subject, 
that  he  required  less  time  for  preparation  than  most  men. 
He  would  often  arrange  his  ideas  for  a  sermon,  as  he  was 
travelling  to  the  place  where  it  was  to  be  delivered  ;  and 
the  abundance  of  his  resources,  together  with  a  remarkable 
facility  of  utterance,  contributed  to  lessen  his  labour. 
That  whirh  most  surprised  me,  was  the  diversified  manner 
in  which  he  treated  the  same  subject.  An  esteemed  friend 
of  the  writer's  once  assured  him  that  he  went  to  hear  Mr. 
Richmond  preach  three  sermons  on  one  Sunday.  He  said, 
he  expected  there  wouhl  be,  of  course,  a  similarity  in  the 
discourses  ;  and  yet  they  proved  to  be  as  varied  as  if  they 
had  been  delivered  bythrte  different  preachers. 

The  effects  of  these  exertions  in  promoting  the  interests 
of  the  missions,  as  well  as  those  of  personal  religion,  were 
most  obvious. 

He  has  been  known  to  have  collected  in  these  excursions 
from  $3,550,  to  $4,440  ;  and  he  once  told  the  writer,  that 
the  fruits  of  one  of  these  journeys  were  not  less  $5,228. 
But  though  money  forms  the  sinews  of  charity  no  less  than 
of  war,  and  is  indispensable  to  the  operations  of  every  so- 
ciety i  it  was  the  establishment  of  missionary  views  and 


140  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

principles,  the  correction  of  errors,  and  the  removal  of  pre- 
judices, and  the  enforcement  of  the  claims  of  Jews  and 
Gentiles  on  the  prayers  and  benevolence  of  the  Christian 
public,  which  formed  one  of  the  most  prominent  features 
of  usefulness  in  these  tours  :  we  may  add  another,  of 
which  he  never  lost  sight,  in  preaching  either  for  Jews  or 
Gentiles,  viz.  ;  the  interests  of  'personal  religion,  and  the 
close  connexion  of  missionary  objects  with  the  advancement 
of  personal  piety.  While  he  spoke  of  the  souls  of  the  Hea- 
then or  Jew,  he  faithfully  reminded  his  hearers  of  their 
own  ;  admonished  them  of  their  obligation  to  improve 
their  Christian  privileges  ;  and  of  the  possibility  of  many, 
at  the  last  day,  being  admitted  "  from  the  east,  and  from 
the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and  from  the  south."  while 
the  children  of  the  kingdom  might  be  cast  out : — that  no- 
minal Christianity  was,  after  all,  little  better  than  Heathen 
ignorance  ;  while  it  involved  greater  guilt,  and  a  more  tre- 
mendous responsibility  ; — that  personal  rehgion  was  one  of 
the  best  securities  for  missionary  zeal  and  exertion  ;  and 
that  no  one  was  ever  likely  to  be  successfully  engaged  in 
communicating  the  Gospel  to  others,  till  he  had  first  felt  its 
power  and  experienced  its  peace  in  his  own  heart. 

The  writer  of  this  Memoir  can  state,  from  his  own  per- 
sonal observation,  that  the  improved  tone  of  moral  feeling, 
and  of  attachment  to  the  distinguishing  truths  of  the  Gos- 
pel, which  is  now  so  perceptible  throughout  the  kingdom, 
may,  to  a  considerable  extent,  be  traced  to  the  influence  of 
these,  and  similar  missionary  excursions.  He  has  often 
heard  his  lamented  friend  observe,  in  the  earlier  days  of 
these  institutions, — "  the  public  mind  is  gradually  under- 
going a  great  moral  revolution.  Ten  or  twelve  leading 
men  are  doing  all  the  work,  and  bearing  the  burden  and 
heat  of  the  day.  It  will  be  comparatively  easy  for  tliose 
who  come  after  us  ;  but  the  prejudice,  the  opposition,  and 
the  conflict  of  opinion,  it  is  ours  to  encounter  ;  and  these 
difliculties  are  good  for  us  ;  for  they  convince  us  of  our 
own  weakness,  and  show  the  excellency  of  the  cause,  end 
the  power  and  strength  of  God  in  its  success  and  progress." 


REV.    LEGII    RICHMOND.  141 

We  copy  an  extract  from  a  letter  to  his  aunt,  in  which  the 
same  sentiments  are  expressed.  "  Incalculable  is  the  na- 
tional goo!  which  is  daily  springing  up  from  such  exertions. 
It  now  appears  capable  of  demonstl-ation,  that  the  moral 
wilderness  will  eventually  blossom  as  the  rose,  through  the 
blessing  of  God  on  Bible  and  Missionary  institutions.  The 
opposition  of  error  and  prejudice  languish  and  decay  ; 
while  the  triumphant  career  of  sacred  benevolence  con- 
veys life,  light,  peace,  and  love ;  and  bears  unequivocal 
evidence  to  the  universe,  that  *  God  is  with  us  of  a  truth.'  '* 

We  have  already  stated,  that  Mr.  Richmond's  popularity 
had  no  injurious  effect  on  his  mind.  It  must  be  acknow- 
ledged, that  ministers  of  great  popular  talents  are  exposed 
to  danger,  and  particularly  from  the  indiscreet  admiration 
of  some  of  their  followers,  who  forget  that  ministers,  like 
other  men,  share  in  the  common  corruptions  of  fallen  na- 
ture. But  it  may  be  observed,  that  tlie  uncommon  simpli- 
city and  unfeigned  humility  of  Mr.  Richmond,  was  a  great 
preservative  from  the  ensnaring  tendency  of  human  ap- 
plause. The  writer  can  declare,  from  long  observation  of 
his  friend,  that  no  man  more  uniformly  abstained  from  the 
language  of  praise  towards  others,  or  discouraged  it  more 
unreservedly  towards  himself 

Those  too,  who  suppose  that  engagements  of  a  public 
nature  are  an  unbroken  career  of  success  and  popularity, 
are  much  mistaken.  The  advocates  of  a  pubhc  cause  have 
much  to  try  their  faith  and  patience  There  are  fightings 
without  and  fears  within  ;  subjects  of  deep  humiliation  in 
their  own  experience  ;  and  a  necessity  for  much  meekness, 
to  bear  with  the  unreasonable  opposition  of  enemies,  and 
the  prejudices  and  mistakes  of  friends.  Their  divine  Mas- 
ter leaves  them  not  without  a  holy  discipline,  to  keep  them 
low  at  his  feet,  and  lowly  in  their  own  eyes. 

Mr.  Richmond  had  the  habit  of  connecting  every  thing 
with  God.  Every  event,  pleasurable  or  painful ;  every  ob- 
ject in  nature,  or  work  of  human  ingenuity,  suggested  a 
subject  for  devout  contemplation,  and  filled  his  soul  with 
holy  affections.     He  seemed  to  possess,  in  religion^  the 


142  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

secret  once  attributed  to  recondite  philosophy,  and  all  he 
touched  became  gold,  which  he  converted  to  his  own  use, 
and  to  the  benefit  of  others.  This  holy  transmutation 
made  every  place  a  Bethel,  and  every  object  a  cause  of 
some  pious  emotion  ;  and  thus  circumstances  ensnaring  in 
their  natural  tendency,  were  made  to  him  the  medium  of 
nearer  access  to  God. 

We  shall  close  these  remarks  with  an  extract  from  his 
journal,  entitled,  "  Reflections  suggested  during  a  Tour  in 
Westmoreland  and  Lancashire,  with  two  valued  friends ;" 
and  a  Poetical  effusion,  written  after  visiting  the  grave  of 
Hervey,  in  Northamptonshire. 

*'  There  is  a  peculiar  sweetness  in  the  recollection  of 
those  hours  which  we  have  spent  with  friends  of  a  kindred 
spirit,  amidst  the  beauties  of  created  nature.  The  Chris- 
tian can  alone  find  that  congeniality  in  associates,  who  not 
only  possess  a  lively  and  cultivated  sense  of  the  high  beauty 
which  landscape  scenery  presents  to  the  eye  ;  but  who  can 
also  see  creation!s  God  in  every  feature  of  the  prospect. 
The  painter  can  imitate,  the  poet  describe,  and  the  tourist 
talk  with  ecstasy  of  the  sublime  and  beautiful  objects  which 
constitute  the  scene  before  him.  But  he  only  can  be  said 
to  enjoy  them  aright,  whose  talents,  taste,  and  affections, 
are  consecrated  to  the  glory  of  Him  by  whom  '  all  things 
were  made,  and  without  whom  was  not  any  thing  made 
that  was  made.'  When  the  pencil  that  traces  the  rich  and 
animated  landscape  of  mountains,  lakes,  and  trees,  is 
guided  by  a  grateful  heart  as  well  as  by  ''.  skilful  hand  ; 
then  the  picture  becomes  no  less  an  acceptable  offering  to 
God,  than  it  is  a  source  of  well-directed  pleat^ure  to  the 
mind  of  man.  And  when  the  poet,  in  harmonious  num- 
bers, makes  hill  and  dale  responsive  to  his  song,  happy  is 
it  if  his  snul  be  in  unison  with  the  harp  of  David,  and  if  he 
can  call  on  all  created  nature,  to  join  in  one  universal  cho- 
rus of  gratitude  and  praise.  The  Christian  traveller  best 
enjoys  scenes  like  these.  In  every  vv^onder,  he  sees  the 
hand  that  made  it — in  every  landscape,  the  bounty  that 
adorns  it — in  rivers,  fields,  and  forests,  the  Providence  that 


REV.  LEOH   RICHMOND.  143 

ministers  to  the  wants  of  man — in  every  surrounding  ob- 
ject, he  sees  an  emblem  of  his  own  spiritual  condition — 
himself  a  stranger  and  a  pilgrim,  journeying  on  through  a 
r^ountry  of  wonders  and  beauties  ;  alternately  investigating, 
admiring,  and  praising  the  works  of  his  Maker,  and  antici- 
pating a  holy  and  happy  eternity  to  be  spent  in  the  Paradise 
of  God,  where  the  prospects  are  ever  new,  and  the  land- 
scapes never  fade  from  the  sight !" 

»'  O  !  for  the  expandnd  mind  that  soars  on  high, 
Ranging  afar  with  Meditation's  eye  ! 
Thnt  climbs  the  heights  of  yonder  starry  road, 
Rising  through  nature,  up  to  nature's  God ! 

"  O  !  for  a  heart  that  seeks  the  sacred  gloom 
Which  hovers  round  the  precincts  of  the  tomb  ! 
While  fancy,  musing  there,  sees  visions  bright, 
In  death  discovering  life — in  darkness  light  I 

"  O !  for  a  soul  to  trace  a  Saviour's  power. 
In  each  sweet  form  that  decks  the  blooming  flower  ! 
And,  as  I  wander  such  fair  scenes  among, 
I'll  make  the  Rose  of  Sharon  all  my  song. 

*' What  though  the  chilling  blasts  of  wintef's  day 
Forbid  the  garden  longer  to  be  gay  ? 
Of  winter  yet  I'll  not  refuse  to  sing. 
Thus  to  be  followed  by  eternal  spring ! 

"  Hervey  !  be  thou  my  guide  to  point  the  road   • 
That  leads  far  hence,  to  yonder  blest  abode  ! 
Grant  me  his  faith,  thou  good,  thou  great  Most  High  ! 
Let  me  like  Hervey  live — like  Hervey  die !" 

We  next  insert  an  extract  from  a  letter  addressed  to  his 
aunt,  in  the  year  1817,  in  refutation  of  a  report  that  his 
public  services  were  recompensed  by  a  salary. 

"  This  subject  reminds  me  of  an  observation  which  you 
made  when  I  lately  saw  you,  and  to  which  I  for  a  moment 
beg  to  draw  your  attention.  You  said  that  some  person 
had  told  either  you  or  Mrs.  M  ,  that  I  received  some  pe- 
cuniary compensation  for  my  services  in  behalf  of  the  reli- 


144  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

giouis  institutions  for  which  I  am  in  the  habit  of  pleading* 
I  must  request  that  justice  may  be  done  to  me,  and  to  the 
cause  which  I  espouse.  The  report  is  false,  in  every  pos- 
sible point  of  view.  I  never  did,  nor  ever  would  accept  of 
a  single  farthing,  from  a  single  individual.  The  whole  has 
ever  been  completely  gratuitous,  and  disinterested.  Many 
valuable  clergymen  are  pursuing  the  same  path  of  useful- 
ness in  their  occasional  excursions  from  home  :  »but  they 
act  as  volunteers,  and  not  as  hirelings  ;  we  seek  no  reward 
in  this  world,  but  that  of  seeing  good  done,  and  mankind 
benefited.  Let  this  injurious  report  be  repelled  ;  let  not 
prejudice  and  mistake  operate  to  the  disadvantage  of  truth 
and  charity.  I  can  say,  for  one,  that  if  ever  the  least  de- 
parture were  to  take  place  from  the  disinterested  plan  of 
serving  the  societies  gratuitously,  1  would  instantly  abandon 
the  ranks  of  their  public  defenders  and  advocates  My 
services  arise  from  conscientious  principle,  and  are  neither 
directly  nor  obliquely  connected  with  pecuniary  advantage ; 
but  quite  the  reverse,  if  all  were  known.  Some  people 
seem  to  doubt  the  possibihty  of  disinterested  activity. 
Alas  !  they  know  not  the  motives  which  Christianity  in- 
spires. Christ  said  for  himself,  and  all  true  Christians, 
'  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.'  May  we  all  fully  know 
what  that  important  text  means." 

But  the  question  which  will  no  doubt  principally  suggest 
itself  to  the  reader,  is  the  following  : — 

How  was  his  place  supplied  in  his  parish  during  these 
excursions  ? 

It  was  his  fixed  determination  never  to  enter  upon  any 
public  engagement,  till  a  provision  had  been  made  for  the 
services  of  his  parish  ;  and  he  seldom  left  home  without 
procuring  a  resident  minister.  Subsequently,  when  the 
claims  of  the  diflferent  public  societies,  and  the  calls  of  his 
distant  friends,  required  him  to  give  up  a  certain  portion  of 
liis  time,  he  appointed  a  regular  curate,  who  united  with 
that  office  the  care  and  tuition  of  his  children  ; — that  nei- 
ther his  familyi  or  his  people,  might  suflTer  any  diminution 
of  their  accustomed  privileges  by  his  absence.      The  fol- 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  145 

lowing  letter,  addressed  to  a  clergyman  who  was  his  tem- 
porary representative  during  one  of  these  journeys,  will 
prove  that  he  was  not  satisfied  with  merely  procuring  a 
r^iibstitute,  but  that  it  was  his  earnest  wish  to  secure  the 
conscientious  and  efficient  performance  of  the  duty. 

•*  My  dear  Sir, 

"  I  hope  this  will  meet  you  in  good  health.  In  com- 
mitting my  flock  to  your  care  for  a  season,  i  earnestly  pray 
God  that  you  and  they  may  prosper,  and  profit  together. 
[  will  add  a  few  words,  explanatory  of  my  usual  proceed- 
ings. I  have,  on  Sunday  morning  and  afternoon,  full 
services.  My  evening  service  is  for  the  Sunday  school, 
and  I  always  address  them  in  the  most  free  and  simple 
manner.  If  ever  you  speak  without  full  notes,  this  would 
be  your  occasion  ;  if  not,  let  the  children  be  the  especial 
object  of  your  evening  ministry,  in  that  way  wherein  God 
sjhall  direct  your  heart  and  lips. 

"  You  will  naturally  wish  to  know  my  usual  matter  and 
manner  of  preaching.  In  matter^  I  keep  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  continually  present,  and  experimentally  applied  to 
the  consciences,  affections,  and  understandings  of  the 
hearers  :  my  people  are  constantly  used  to  the  exhibition 
of  tlie  saving  offices  of  Christ,  as  prophet,  priest  and  king, — 
all  and  in  all  ; — strengthening,  comforting,  guiding,  and 
making  tlie  believing  sinner  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light.  I  preach  tlie  duties  of  Christians,  not  as 
detached  and  separable  appendages  to  doctrines,  but  as 
intimately  connected  and  infallibly  mixed  with  them,  and 
flowing  from  them  :  still  keeping  the  work  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  in  view,  as  convincing,  directing,  and  revealing  Jesus 
as  the  principal  of  botli  justification  by  faith  alone,  and 
sanctification  through  the  Holy  Spirit  himself  These 
rich,  never- failing,  fruitful,  and  consolatory  trutlis,  I  feel  to 
be  the  great  subject  and  object  of  the  Christian  ministry  ; 
and,  as  such,  I  have  ever  preached  them  fully,  freely,  and 
rxperimentally.  Give  them,  my  dear  sir,  these  plain  scrip- 
tural truths,  in  godly  simplicity,  and  they  will  love  and  bless 
14 


146  MEMOIRS  or  THIJ 

you.     In  point  of  length,  I  would  recommend  from  thirty* 
five  to  forty-five  minutes,  as  the  extreme  limits. 

"  As  to  manner ;  my  first  object  is,  to  exhibit  affection, 
earnestness,  and  real  desire,  ihni  every  sentiment,  and  every 
sentence  may  projit  the  hearts  of  my  hearers. 

"  I  rely  on  your  brotherly  and  friendly  feelings,  to  allow 
for  the  frankness  of  these  accounts  of  my  unworthy  self, 
aa  1  am  sure  you  would  wish  me  to  explain  the  objects  so 
near  my  heart. 

"  On  Friday  evening,  I  have  a  lecture,  to  a  small  but 
listening  people.  In  hay  and  harvest  time,  it  is  much  re- 
duced. My  valued  friend,  Mr.  Barker,  will  afford  you  any 
and  every  information  concerning  parochial  matters.  He 
will  introduce  you  to  some  of  the  sick,  and  other  poor 
people  ;  and  you  will  find  religious  conversational  inter- 
course in  visiting  the  poor,  a  sure  road  to  their  hearts  ; 
and,  during  my  absence,  no  small  satisfaction  to  mine. 

"  Mr.  Barker  will  tell  you  all  about  my  new  school 
plans,  in  which  he  is  veiy  useful  to  me.  In  all  these 
things,  my  dear  sir,  you  will  now,  for  a  season,  be  my 
substitute.  Pray  to  God  for  direction  ;  and,  after,  pray 
for  your  absent  friend.  Do  the  work  of  an  evangehst — 
resting  on  the  special  promises  made  to  ministers  and 
flocks.  Be  sincere,  humble,  affectionate,  and  earnest  ; — 
keep  close  to  the  gospel  of  our  blessed  Master,  in  private 
and  in  public  ;  and  may  He  comfort  and  strengthen  you 
in  all  things. 

"  Be  so  kind  to  be  exact  in  the  times  of  commencing 
the  different  services.  Sunday  morning,  at  ten  ;  afternoon, 
at  half-past  two  ;  evening,  at  six  ;  Friday  evening,  at  a 
quarter  before  seven.  Mr.  Barker  reads  the  lessons  for 
me  ;  and  will,  if  you  do  not  object,  do  the  same  for  you. 

<'  In  the  same  spirit  in  which  I  have  written  to  you  on 
my  feelings  and  wishes  as  a  minister^  I  now,  also,  wish  you 
to  receive  these  expressions  as  a  friend  and  a  brother  ;  and 
to  be  assured,  that  I  am, 

"  Very  affectionately,  and  faithfully,  yours, 

<'  Legh  Richmond." 

Rev.  Mr.  R.  >S.  Tvrvey. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  *  14T 

He  was  also  in  the  habit,  on  these  occasions,  of  writing 
pastoral  letters  to  his  people,  to  convince  them  that,  though 
absent  for  a  season,  he  was  still  not  unmindful  of  their  spi- 
ritual welfare.  These  epistles  are  written  with  much  plain- 
ness of  style,  united  with  useful  adniomtions,  and  suitable 
references  to  the  circumstanres  of  the  parish.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Ward,  the  excellent  minister  of  [ver,  has  long  ad<3pted 
this  practice  on  a  more  extended  scale,  by  addressing  a 
yearly  epistle  to  his  parishioners,  containing  the  substance 
of  his  pastoral  thoughts  and  reflections  :  and  we  think  this 
^cample  worthy  of  being  recommended  to  general  imita- 
tion ;  as  they  are  pleasmg  memorials  of  pastoral  affection 
and  zeal,  and  seem  calculateil  to  strengthen  the  bond  of 
union  which  ought  ever  to  subsist  between  a  minister  and 
liis  people.  We  shall  not  now  insert  those  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, because  they  contain  allusions  to  events  which  we 
have  not  yet  had  the  opportunity  of  relating,  being  desirous 
of  presenting  the  reader  with  the  various  details  of  his  pub- 
lic engagements  without  the  interruption  of  other  matters. 

Perhaps  some  may  be  disposed  to  think  that  the  excite- 
ment and  popularity  of  Mr.  Richmond's  public  life,  might 
disqualify  him  for  the  more  Homely  and  retired  duties  of  a 
country  parish  priest. 

That  he  returned  with  his  rtlind  deeply  impressed  with 
the  importance  of  the  cause  that  he  had  been  pleading,  is 
most  true  ;  and  he  endeavoured  to  enkindle  in  the  breasts 
of  others,  the  flame  which  warmed  and  animated  his  own. 
He  therefore  drew  attention  to  these  subjects — introduced 
them  into  his  sermons  :  described  the  state  of  the  Heathea 
world — their  idolatries — their  atrocious  rites ; — the  burning 
of  women  on  the  funeral  pile — their  awful  ignorance — their 
perishing  state  ;  and  the  bounden  duty  of  Christians  to  send 
them  that  Gospel,  which  the  mercy  of  God  had  put  into 
their  own  hands.  These  communications  were  then  no- 
vel, and  excited  considerable  interest. 

It  has  been  said,  that  such  objects  are  too  remote  to  en- 
gage the  attention  of  the  poor ;  and  that  their  poverty  dis- 
ables them  from  contributing  any  thing  to  their  support. 
But  the  principal  qualification  for  appreciating  missions,  i^ 


148 


MEMOIRS  or  THE 


a  sense  of  the  worth  of  an  immortal  soul :  and  he  who 
knows  the  value  of  his  own  soul,  be  he  poor  or  rich,  needs 
Tio  other  argument  to  inspire  a  desire  to  save  the  souls  of 
others  :  and  it  must  be  mentioned  to  the  honour  of  the 
lower  classes,  that  they  havo  been  found  to  be  the  most  va- 
luable and  efficient  friends  of  missionary  exertions  ;  not  only 
by  the  fervour  of  their  prayers,  l)ut  also  by  the  amount  of 
their  pecuniary  contributions.  To  mnny  of  them  may  bo 
applied  the  touching  commendation  of  the  apostle,  when 
speaking  of  the  poor  disciples  of  Corinth — "  In  a  great  trial 
of  aflliction,  the  abundance  of  their  joy,  and  their  deep  po- 
verty, abounded  unto  the  riches  of  tiieir  liberality  :  for  to 
their  power,  T  bear  record,  yea,  and  beyond  their  power, 
(hey  were  willing  of  themselves  :  praying  us,  with  much  in- 
treaty,  that  we  would  receive  the  gift,  and  take  upon  us  tho 
fellowship  of  the  ministering  to  the  saints  :  and  this  they 
did,  not  as  we  hoped,  but  first  gave  their  own-selves  to  the 
Lord,  and  unto  us  by  the  will  of  God." — 2  Cor  viii.  2 — 5. 
,  The  people  of  Turvey  soon  expressed  a  desire  to  contri- 
bute their  aid  ;  and  a  Bible  and  Missionary  society  were 
accordingly  established.  Mr.  Richmond  found  the  intro- 
duction of  these  subjects  to  tf%  attended  with  the  happiest 
effects.  His  people  acquired  more  enlarged  views  ;  they 
read  their  Bibles  with  increasing  interest ;  comprehended 
better  the  scope  of  prophecy,  and  the  future  spread  of  the 
everlasting  Gospel  among  all  the  nations  of  the  world  ;  they 
prayed  for  its  accomplishment,  and  the  cause  of  missions 
'became  dear  to  their  hearts.  There  was  also  a  re-action 
upon  themselves, — they  were  led  to  a  more  earnest  exami- 
nation of  their  own  state  before  God.  In  reading  the  sim- 
ple narratives  of  poor  negroes  mourning  for  their  sins,  or 
rejoicing  in  the  peace  and  consolations  of  the  Gospel,  they 
caught  the  happy  contagion  ;  they  wondered  to  see  emo; 
tions  described  so  like  their  own  ;  discovered  that  the  hu- 
man heart  is  every  where  the  same  ;  and  that  the  grace  of 
God,  confined  to  no  clime  or  colour,  can  impart  its  saving 
influences  to  men  of  every  nation,  tongue,  and  kindred.  In 
thmkmg  of  the  souls  of  others,  they  became  increasingly 
interested  for  their  own  ;  and  learned  to  implore  that  grace 


t 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


14B 


with  renewed  earnestness  for  themselves,  the  transforming 
power  and  efficacy  of  which  they  saw,  in  the  instance  of  a 
once-benighted  Heathen. 

Another  question  may  occur. 

Did  his  family  sustain  no  injury  by  his  frequent  absence 
from  them  ? 

They  were  left  in  the  hands  of  an  excellent  mother ;  to 
whose  assiduous  and  aflfectionate  care,  none  bore  a  more 
willing  or  frequent  testimony  than  Mr.  Richmond.  But 
his  own  ceaseless  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  his  children 
will  be  best  shown  by  the  folkta^ing  letters ;  together  with 
some  valuable  admonitions  addaessed  to  his  daughters,  and 
containing  rules  for  their  general  conduct  and  deportment. 

''October,  1815. 

"  My  dear  child, 

«  This  may  probably  reach  you  on  your  birth-day.  It 
is  a  day  which  should  remind  you  of  the  importance  of  time, 
and  the  swift  approach  of  eternity.  It  bids  you  remember 
your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your  youth  But,  have  you  ever 
done  so  aright  ?  Have  you  seen  yourself  a  sinner,  and 
gone  to  the  blood  of  Christ  for  pardon  ?  Forms  and  no- 
lions  never  yet  saved  a  soul ;  and  have  you,  indeed,  ever 
gone  farther  than  forms  and  notions  ?  My  child,  be  in 
earnest ;  it  is  no  trifle  whether  you  have  real  grace  or  not : 
it  is  every  thing  to  ascertain  this  point,  and  to  act  upon  it. 
Do  you  feel  a  burden  of  sin  for  daily  offences  ? — do  you  re- 
pent ? — do  you  pray  from  the  heart  ?  Suppose  God  were 
to  see  good  to  bring  you  to  a  bed  of  death,  where  are  your 
evidences  that  you  are  really  his  child  ?  Think  in  how 
many  ways  you  have  offended  him  in  thought,  word  and 
deed  !     What  but  a  Saviour's  blood  can  wipe  it  away  ? 

"  It  is  full  time,  my  dear  F ,  that  you  show  a  de- 
cision of  character,  in  that  humble  yet  determined  sepa- 
ration of  life,  which  distinguishes  a  common  (alas !  too 
eommon,)  nominally  Christian  child,  from  a  child  that  be- 
lieves in  Christ,  loves  God,  and  is  taught  by  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

14* 


ft50  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

"  Secret,  free  prayer,  is  a  great  testimony  that  a  work 
of  grace  is  begun.  But  do  you  thus  pray  ?  Have  you 
found  out  the  sins  into  which  you  are  the  most  liable  to 
'fall,  and  most  easily  tempted  to  commit.  These  are  your 
bosom  foes,  and  must  be  resisted  in  a  different  strength 
from  any  which  you  naturally  possess  That  strength  is 
only  to  be  obtained  in  Christ,  and  by  believing  in  him  and 
him  alone.  Grace,  free  grace,  reigns  in  every  step  of  the 
Christian  progress.  Do  you  ever  feel  these  things  as  a 
matter  of  uneasiness,  or  desire,  or  hope,  or  fear  ?  It  will 
-not  satisfy  me,  and  I  hope  i^  will  not  satisfy  you,  that  you 
have  had  so  many  advantages  of  a  (Christian  education,  un- 
less you  prove  to  yourself  and  me.  that  there  is  a  work  of 
the  Spirit  in  your  heart.  What  a  delightful  display  the 
Lord  gave  us  of  his  goodness  and  power,  when  that  dear 
and  beloved  woman,  your  mother  and  my  wife  (it  is  my 
iiighest  earthly  privilege  to  call  her  so,)  lay,  as  we  thought, 
on  the  bed  of  death  !  You  cannot  have  forgotten  it — no 
one  that  saw  it  ever  could.  But  that  day  was  a  warning 
and  a  consolation  for  us; — oh!  may  we  use  it  as  both. 
But  do  not  deceive  yourself — mere  natural  feelings  and 
meltings  of  heart  are  not  enough.  Sin,  sin  is  the  great 
cause  of  sorrow  ;  and  therefore  must  you  weep.  Carry 
sin  to  Jesus,  he  will  hide  it  forever  from  his  Father's  sight. 
Angels  rejoice  when  children  w^eep  for  sin. 

"Read  'Little  Jane:'  two  Sunday  scholars  at  Man- 
chester have  been  converted  to  God  this  summer,  by  read- 
ing it — and  must  my  own  dear  child  heed  it  not  ?     I  trust 

not.     Pray,  dear  F ,  for  faith  and  love  to  Jesus.     Hap- 

«j>y  shall  I  be  to  hear  from  yourself  (when  it  does  indeed 
come  from  your  heart,)  either  by  letter  or  word  of  mouth, 
that  you  feel  a  true  concern  for  your  never  dying  soul. 
And  so  may  God  give  you  many  happy  years,  if  it  so  please 
;him.  If  not,  may  he  take  your  pardoned  soul  to  himself, 
in  his  own  time. — Love  to  my  dear  H., 

<'  Fron^  her  and  your  truly  affectionate  father. 

"  Tell  H.  that  I  write  every  word  of  this  for  her,  as  well 
as  for  you." 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  151 

**  Keswick,  Oct.   16,   1815. 

•'  My  dear  Daughter. 

♦<  The  exquisite  beauty  and  sublimity  of  this  country  al- 
most make  a  pen  move  of  itself.  Never  did  I  pass  so 
beautiful  a  day  as  this  at  the  lakes.  I  shall  sing  the  praises 
of  October,  as  the  loveliest  of  months.  This  morning,  at 
six  o'clock,  I  was  walkmg  on  the  banks  of  Winandermere, 
to  catch  a  sun-rise.  I  had  every  thing  I  could  wish,  and 
observed  the  progress  of  day  with  delight.  The  myste- 
rious rolling  of  clouds  across  the  hills  announced  the  first 
influence  of  the  sun.  Tints  the  most  beauteous  skirted 
the  eastern  clouds  ;  those  on  the  west,  caught  them  as  by 
sympathy.  Various  patches  of  mountains  soon  gleamed 
with  the  reflection  of  the  yet  unseen  luminary  :  and  such  in- 
numerable vicissitudes  of  light  and  shade,  and  claro  obscuro 
filled  the  scene,  as  no  tongue  can  utter.  The  Lake,  in  all 
its  length  of  thirteen  miles,  lay  beneath  me,  with  its  thirty 
islands.  I  heard  the  early  lowing  of  the  cows,  the  bleat- 
ing of  the  sheep,  the  neighing  of  the  horses,  the  twittering 
of  the  birds,  the  rustling  of  the  breeze,  the  rippling  of  the 
water,  tlie  dashing  of  the  oar,  in  a  gentie  kind  of  harmony. 
The  sun  advanced,  and  threw  a  blaze  of  magnificent  lustre 
over  this  Paradisaical  landscape.  1  soon  crossed  over  the 
Lake,  and  passed  through  rich  scenes  of  wonder  and  love- 
liness. I  saw  Coniston  and  Grassmere  lakes,  under  cir- 
cumstances of  peculiar  advantage.  Clusters  of  mountains 
and  lesser  hills,  clothed  with  craggs,  brown  fern,  red  lichens, 
green  grass,  purple  heath,  bushes,  barren  gulleys,  cascades, 
wild  streaks,  rolling  mists,  bright  sunshine,  &c.  &c.,  pre- 
sented incessant  variety.  Hill  towered  above  hill,  Alpine 
peaks  reared  their  heads, — groves  filled  the  valleys,  and 
cottages  were  sprinkled  in  wild  profiision. 

'*  I  dined  at  a  Httle  romantic  hill,  at  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tain Helvellyn.  The  Lake  of  Leathcswater  extended  its 
four  miles'  length  clo.-e  by.  My  parlour  window  faced  the 
^eat  hill — a  mountain  stream  fell  from  a  great  height, 
tumbling  with  a  murmuring  sound  down  into  the  vale. 


152  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Something  dimmed  the  pane  of  glass  through  which  I 
viewed  it.  On  inspection,  I  found  the  following  lines,  Vrit-^ 
ten  with  a  diamond  : — 

'  Flow,  mountain  streamlet,  swiftly  flow, 
And  fertilize  the  vale  below — 
Sweet  emblem  of  that  gracious  lore 
Which  pours  down  blessings  from  above 
The  stream  of  mercy,  Lord  !  is  thine, — 
The  Ipwly  heart  that  feels  it,  mine,' 

.  '*  On  another  pane  was  written — 

*  Forget  not,  mortal  traveller,  thou  must  die  ; 
Before  thy  journey's  end,  ask, — '  Where  am  I  f 

"  And  once  more — 


'  These  lovely  scenes  before  thine  eyes 
Form  a  terrestrial  Paradise. 
But  this  shall  quickly  pass  away : 
Then  seek  ione  in  eternal  day.' 

"  Thence  I  advanced  to  Keswick.  Before  me  stood  the 
giants  of  the  scenery — Skiddaw  and  Saddleback — in  sub- 
lime beauty,  not  to  be  expressed.  Their  length,  t^eir 
breadth,  their  height,  their  wildness,  their  roughness,  their 
smoothness,  their  surface,  their  profile,  their  tout  ensemble, 
most  grand,  most  interesting.  At  length  the  lakes  of  Der- 
wentwater  and  Bassenthwaites  burst  upon  the  eye  with  all 
the  charms  that  painters  and  poets  love,  and  which  Chris- 
tians know  how  to  love  far  better  than  either.  The  scene 
from  a  hill,  a  mile  on  the  road  from  Keswick,  so  much  ex- 
ceeds the  powers  of  my  pen  to  describe,  that  I  can  only 
say — <  How  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,'  O  Lord,  the 
Creator  ! 

"  I  watched  the  moon  decline  on  the  lake,  and  then  stu- 
died the  whole  scene  by  the  finest  star-light  I  ever  beheld. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  153 

Mars  is  now  in  the  ea^t.  like  Jupiter ;  yea,  bright  as  a 
moon.  The  Great  Bear  hanj^s  pendant  exactly  over  Skid- 
daw,  and  Mars  rises  triumohantly  over  the  summit  of  Saddle- 
hack  ;  the  Galaxy  sweeps  over  the  hemisphere,  white  as 
milk,  and  clear  as  moonlight  All  is  solemn,  silent,  peace- 
ful. I  write  you  this  faint  breathing  of  expression.  Could 
you  copy  these  sceness  I  should  be  proud  of  your  company 
liere  :  I  trust  some  day  you  will. 

•*This  morning,  as  I  stood  on  an  eminence,  looking 
down  on  the  exquisitely  lovely  lake  of  Grassmere,  environ- 
ed by  its  amphitheatre  of  moimtains.  a  momentary  shower 
produced  a  rainbow  ; — it  extended  from  hill  to  hill,  over 
the  valley,  and  seemed  like  a  bridge  for  angels  to  pass  over 
from  one  district  of  Paradise  to  another  : 

*'  And  as  they  pass^  let  ang^els  sing 
The  wonder?  of  creation's  King; 
And  while  they  tune  their  harps  to  praise, 
I'd  gladly  catch  their  solemn  lays  ; 
Unite  with  theirs  ray  feeble  tongue, 
And  give  to  gratitude  my  song." 


'*  My  dear , 

'•  I  leave  you,  in  nmch  love,  a  few  fatherly  hints. 

1 .  Be  constant  in  private  prayer. 

2.  Be  wise  in  the  choice  of  books  ;  shun  every  thing  of 
the  romance  and  novel  kind  ;  and  even  in  poetry,  keep  to 
what  is  useful  and  instructive,  as  well  as  pleasant. 

3.  In  company,  show  that  the  principles  of  your  father's 
house  and  ministry  are  your  rule  of  conduct,  and  your  real 
delight.  Be  consistent— cheerful,  but  not  light ;  conversi- 
ble,  but  not  trifling. 

4.  Keep  ever  in  view,  that  you  are  supporting  my  cha- 
racter and  credit,  as  well  as  your  own. 

6.  Show  a  marked  preference  to  such  conversation,  re- 
marks, persons,  discussions,  and  occupations  as  may  tend 
to  essential  good. 


154  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

6.  Always  think  before  you  speak  ;  say  and  do  neither 
hastily  nor  unadvisedly. 

7.  If  any  proposal  is  ever  made  to  you,  in  which  you 
hesitate  how  to  act,  first  say  to  yourself — how  would  God 
have  me  to  act  ?  Secondly — what  would  my  parents  have 
me  to  do,  if  they  were  here  to  advise  me  ? 

8.  Never  lose  sight  of  this  :  that  the  more  public  my 
xiame,  character,  and  ministry  is  become,  the  more  eyes 
and  ears  are  turned  to  my  children's  conduct ;  they  are  ex- 
pected, in  knowledge  and  circumspection,  in  rehgion  and 
morals,  in  opinions  and  habits,  to  show  where  they  have 
been  educated  ;  and  to  adorn,  not  only  their  Christian  pro- 
fession, but  their  parents'  principles. 

9.  In  music,  prefer  serious  to  light  compositions  :  an*l 
in  vocal,  keep  close  to  sacred  words. 

10.  Pray  much  for 

"  Your  affectionate  father, 

"  Lbgh  Richmond." 

-   <=<?.  S.  I  send  you  the  following  application  of  a  ser- 
mon, from  Eph.  v.  15,16  : — 

On  circumspection  of  ivalk ;  redemption  of  time ;  and 
general  transparency  of  character. 

1 .  Adhere  most  scrupulously  to  truth  ;  and  labour  to 
preserve  the  strictest  integrity,  simplicity  and  sincerity, 

2.  Engage  in  no  pursuit  in  which  you  cannot  look  up 
unto  God,,  and  say,  "  Bless  me  in  this,  O  my  Father !" 

3.  Strive  to  be  as  kind,  forbearing  and  forgiving  as  yoU 
can,  both  to  friends  and  foes. 

4.  Never  speak  evil  of  any  one,  on  any  pretence  what- 
ever. 

5.  Strive  to  recommerd  religion  by  the  courtesy,  civilitv, 
and  condescending  character  of  your  conduct. 

^6.  Watch  against  irritation,  positiveness,  unkind  speak- 
ing, and  anger  :  study  and  promote  love. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  155 

7.  Mortify  lusts,  sensuality,  and  sloth. 

8.  Never  allow  others  to  speak  well  of  you  ;  nor  espe- 
cially yourself,  to  say  or  think  any  thing  of  yourself,  but  as 
poorly  done.  Keep  down  pride ;  let  it  not  be  indulged 
tor  a  moment,  and  watch  against  it. 

9.  Shut  out  evil  imaginations,  and  angry  thoughts. 

10.  Let  it  be  your  sole  business  here  to  prepare  for 
eternity.     Consider  ever)'  moment  of  time  in  that  view. 

1 1 .  Remember  that  you  have  to  contend  with  a  legion 
of  devils — a  heart  full  of  deceit  and  iniquity,  and  a  world 
at  enmity  with  God. 

12  Pray  you  may  ever  rejoice  in  the  advancement  of 
Christ's  kingdom,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners  :  and  labour 
in  every  way  to  promote  these  objects. 

"  Prayer  is  the  only  weapon  which  can  slay  your  lusts, 
and  keep  your  evidences  bright.     Cultivate  prayer." 

"  To  my  Daughters  :* 

«  With  a  heart  full  of  affection,  I  sit  down  to  express 
a  few  sentiments  and  intimations  of  my  wishes,  as  connect- 
ed with  your  conduct,  in  the  course  of  any  journey,  or 
absence  from  home.  I  wish  each  of  you  to  preserve  a 
copy  of  it,  my  dear  children,  and  often  look  at  it ;  take  it 
with  you  when  from  home,  and  keep  it  safe  when  at  home. 
"  Independently  of  my  anxious  wishes  for  your  secret, 
spiritual  welfare,  I  have  much  to  feel  on  my  own  account, 
in  point  of  credit  and  character,  as  connected  with  your 
deportment,  in  every  house  and  company  into  which  I  may 
introduce  you.  I  have  not  a  doubt  of  your  general  affec- 
tionate wish  to  speak  and  act  right ;  but,  inexperience, 
youth,  thoughtlessness,  and  want  of  more  acquaintance 
with  the  world  carnal,  and  the  world  religious,  may  easily 
occasion  inconsistencies  and  errors  which  might  be  injn- 
rious  to  your  own,  as  well  as  to  my  comfort  and  credit. 

♦  With  great  pleasure,  we  call  the  special  attention  of  both  pa- 
rents and  children,  to  the  judiciouj,  valuable,  and  Christian  advice, 
contained  in  this  letter  to  his  daughters. — A.  £. 


15(3  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Accept,  therefore,  a  father's  blessings  and  prayers,  with  a 
father's  chapter  of  admonitions  and  explanations. 

"  You  are  not  unaware,  that  my  name  and  character 
have  acquired  much  publicity, — that  I  avowedly  belong  to 
a  class  of  Christian  ministers,  who  profess,  for  Christ's 
and  their  souls'  sakes,  to  be  separate  from  the  world — to 
maintain  purer  and  more  distinct  views  of  the  Scripture 
doctrine — and  to  be  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  behalf 
of  the  truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  I  am,  therefore,  supposed 
not  only  to  maintain  a  consistent  separation  from  the  fol- 
lies and  vices  of  the  world,  its  pomps  and  vanities,  but  to 
aim  at  so  ruling  and  guiding  my  household,  that  my  princi- 
ples may  shine  forth  in  their  conduct.  Any  want  of  cor- 
rectness, consistency,  faithfulness,  and  propriety  in  them, 
will  always  attach  a  mixture  of  censure  surprise,  and  con- 
cern, as  it  regards  me.  Th^  friends  of  religion  will  grieve, 
and  those  who  are  otherwise  will  rejoice,  if  you  could  be 
drawn  into  compliances,  and  expressions  of  sentiment,  at 
variance  with  your  father's  ;  always,  therefore,  keep  in  re- 
membrance, whether  you  are  in  company  with  decidedly 
rehgious  and  consistent  Christians,  or  with  those  who  are 
only  partially  so,  or  with  those  who  are  not  so,  (unhappily) 
at  all, — that  you  have  not  only  your  own  peace  of  con- 
science to  maintain,  but  the  estimation  and  honour  of 
your  parent  also.* 

"  Many  temptations  will  occur,  to  induce  you  to  yield 
and  conform  to  habits  and  principles,  the  very  reverse  of 
those  which  you  hear  me  supporting,  both  in  the  pulpit 
and  the  parlour.  Be  not  ashamed  of  firmly,  though  mo- 
destly, in  such  cases,  resisting  them.  State  vv^hat  mine 
and  your  principles  are,   and  heed  not  the  momentary  un- 

*  Should  any  one  think,  there  is  too  prominent  a  regard  expressed 
lor  his  own  reputation,  in  the  advice  and  admonition  he  gives  his 
children,  let  such  an  objector  compare  Mr.  Richmond's  feelings 
with  those  of  the  apostle,  in  adverting  to  the  conduct  of  his  spirit- 
ual children: — ''  Lest,  when  I  come  again,  my  God,  will  humble 
me  amongst  you,  and  that  I  should  bewail  many  who  have  sinned 
already,"  &c.    2  Cor.  xii.  21. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  157 

phsasantness  of  appearing  singular,  when  conscience  and 
<luty  require  it.  You  may  easily  say,  *  My  father  does  not 
approve  of  such  and  such  things,  neither  can  I.'  No 
person,  whose  estimation  is  worth  having,  will  think  the 
worse  of  you,  for  such  instances  of  mild,  but  decisive 
firmness  ;  and,  without  it,  T  should  be  disgraced. 

"  AH  descriptions  of  public  amusements,  novels,  popular 
amorous  poems,  plays,  songs,  vanities,  and  finery,  and  ail 
the  sad  tribe  of  poisonous  and  dangerous  pursuits,  should 
be  regulated  by  this  principle  ;  and  O,  that  your  own  sim- 
plicity and  love  to  Christ,  may  never  give  way  to  one  sad 
influence  of  false  sentiment,  even  amongst  those  whom,  on 
other  accounts,  we  may  esteem  and  regard.  The  half- 
religious  are  often  more  dangerous  than  those  who  are 
less  so  ;  because,  we  are  more  on  our  guard  in  the  latter 
case  than  the  former.  The  great  number  of  instances  in 
which  I  have  seen  the  young  people  of  religious  families 
deeply  injured  in  their  spirits  and  habits,  by  much  visiting 
with  persons  of  different  views  and  customs  from  those  of 
their  own  household,  has  made  me,  I  confess,  from  pure 
motives  of  conscience  and  prudence,  very  averse  to  much 
of  that  sort  of  visiting  in  my  own  children's  case,  which  I 
know  to  have  been  productive  of  bad  consequences  in 
others.  And  the  diflSculty  of  drawing  the  line  has  always 
appeared  very  great  with  my  numerous  friends  and  ac- 
quaintance. Still,  I  wish  to  make  you  happy  in  every 
reasonable  way  ;  and  I  am  glad  when  I  can  give  you  tlie 
advantage  of  new  scenes  and  company,  when  it  is  of  the 
right  sort.  But,  as  in  my  journeys,  extensive  intercourse 
takes  place,  a  great  variety  of  characters  will  fall  in  your 
way ;  and  I  wish,  for  all  your  sakes,  that  you  may  be  pro- 
vided with  sober,  discreet,  and  religious  cautions,  that  the 
natural  ardour  of  youth  may  not  lead  you  into  unbecoming 
or  sinful  compliances.  I  know  many  families,  and  you 
know  a  few,  where,  perhaps,  the  parents  are  religious, 
but  their  young  people  are  very  imperfectly,  if  at  all  so  ; 
in  such  cases,  you  may,  from  equality  of  age,  be  thrown 
much  more  into  the  light,  frivolous  and  objectionable  con- 
15 


158 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


versation  of  the  younger,  instead  of  the  more  useful  com- 
munications of  the  elders  of  the  family.  Here,  often, 
there  is  danger ;  ever  prefer  and  choose  those,  of  what- 
ever age,  in  whom  you  think  you  discover  a  holy,  serious, 
benevolent,  consistent  way  of  acting  and  speaking. 

"  A  young  professor  of  religion  has  not,  in  most  in- 
stances, so  difficult  a  task  to  sustain,  when  in  conversation 
with  those  of  a  decidedly  religious  deportment,  as  with 
worldly  persons,  and  those  who  can  scarcely  be  ranked  as 
consistently  serious,  although  often  to  be  met  with  in  reli- 
gious parties.  If,  however,  your  conscience  be  correct, 
you  will  see  more  and  more  the  duty  of  acting  and  speak- 
ing aright,  and  you  must  ever  pray  for  grace  to  direct  and 
govern  you.  Difficulties  and  dangers  of  this  kind,  greatly 
multiply  when  those  who,  from  relationship  and  family  re- 
gard, stand  very  near  to  natural  love  and  affection,  are,  ne- 
vertheless, in  great  measure,  strangers  to  the  power  of 
true  religion,  and,  therefore,  mingle  with  the  world  wholly, 
pursue  its  pleasures,  and  support  its  customs.  I  intreat 
you  to  be  much  on  your  guard  in  all  such  cases.  Decays 
in  religious  feeling  and  conduct,  continually  arise  from  this 
source,  and  endanger  the  temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal 
welfare  of  many  a  hopeful  family. 

*'  I  am  frequently  placed  in  situations  myself,  where  I 
find  it  very  difficult  to  satisfy  my  conscience  that  I  am  doing 
light,  among  people  and  families  where  real  religion  has 
little  or  no  part  in  their  ways  and  conversation.  In  trying 
to  be  kind,  attentive,  and  too  compliant,  perhaps,  to  their 
habits,  I  feel  that  I  am  in  great  danger  of  strengthening 
Ihem  in  evil,  and  always  of  injuring  my  own  consistency 
as  a  Christian. 

«  I  will  now  add  some  remarks,  placed  under  select 
heads,  which  may  make  them  more  conspicuous,  and  better 
remembered  :  and  may  God  render  them  useful  to  you  ! 
Keep  them  constantly  with  you,  and  let  them  be  always 
read  over,  at  least,  once  a  week. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  159 

.      AMDSEMEKTS. 

Play?,  balls,  public  concerts,  cards,  private  dances, 
6lc.  &c. 

Serious,  consistent  Christians  must  be  against  these 
things,  because  the  dangerous  spirit  of  the  world  and  the 
flesh  is  in  them  all :  tliey  are  tlie  "  pomps  and  vanities  of 
this  wicked  world,"  so  solemnly  renounced  at  baptism. 
To  be  conformed  to  these  seductive  and  more  than  frivo- 
lous scenes,  is  to  be  conformed  to  this  world,  or  to  be  op- 
posed to  the  character  and  precepts  of  Christ.  They  that 
see  no  harm  in  these  things  are  spiritually  blind  ;  and  they 
who  will  not  hear  admonition  against  them  are  spiritually 
deaf.  Shun,  my  girls,  the  pleasures  of  sin,  and  seek  those 
which  are  at  God's  right  hand  for  evermore.  You  cannot 
love  both 

Blessed  be  God,  you  have  been  kept  far  from  those,  who 
make  such  recreations  their  idols  to  wean  their  hearts  from 
God  Never  in  any  conversation,  speak  lightly  or  triflingly 
of  these  subjects,  as  if  you  had  not  imbibed  proper  senti- 
ments concerning  them.  Ever  preserve  the  consistency 
of  your  parental  house  and  principles. 

BOOKS. 

Characters  are  speedily  discerned  by  their  choice  of 
books. — Novels  in  prose,  I  need  not  now  forbid  ;  ignorant 
as  you  are  of  their  bad  tendency  by  experience,  you,  I  am 
persuaded,  trust  me  on  that  head,  and  will  never  sacrifice 
time,  affection,  or  attention  to  them.  But  beware  of  novels 
in  verse.     Poets  are  more  dangerous  than  prose  writers, 

when   their  principles  are  bad.      Were  Lord  B no 

better  poet  than  he  is  a  man,  he  might  have  done  little 
harm  ;  but  when  a  bad  man  is  a  good  poet,  and  makes  his 
good  poetry  the  vehicle  of  his  bad  sentiments,  he  does  mis- 
chief by  wholesale.  Do  not  be  ashamed  of  having  never 
read  the  fashionable  poem  of  the  day.  A  Christian  has  no 
time,  and  should  have  no  inclination  for  any  reading  that 
has  no  real  tendency  to  improve  the  heart.  The  finest 
rule  I  eTer  met  with  in  regard  to  the  choice  of  books,  is 


M>0  MRMOmS    OF    THE 

iliiw: — »<  Books  fire  good  or  bad  in  their  oflbcli,  as  thoj 
iiinko  us  relish  the  word  of  Clod,  (ho  more  or  Iho  kna^  after 
w«!h(ivo  read  th(Mn."  Them  or<5  too  iiuiny  vuhiahlo  books 
on  ft  variety  of  subjcrtH.  which  ought  to  l»n  rend,  to  allow 
»>rtiin(5  to  hn  iledicuted  to  unworthy  tiiid  useless  ones. 


i^lnju  III!  Ilu«  wrc'tciied  folly  and  corruplMin  olliglil,  ;-<iilv» 
iMid  nmorouH  Hongs,  on  the  same  principle  that  vou  would 
shun  hookH  of  the  smuio  nature.  Hacred  music  is  the  true 
refuge  of  the  CJiristiiin  musician.  1  wish  your  ears,  your 
hearts,  and  your  tongues  were  oflener  timed  to  such  melo- 
dies. The  nlayhousc,  the  o[)erji,  nnd  the  concert-room 
have  delugeu  the  world  with  the  abuses  of  the  heavenly  art 
of  music.  IVlusic  was  dcHigned  to  lead  the  soul  to  hcovcn, 
but  the  corruption  of  man  has  greatly  perverted  the  merci- 
ful intention.  Do  not  yoti  belong  to  such  perverters,  nor 
socin  to  take  pleasure  in  those  who  do. 

DttESS. 

Aim  at  great  ncatnoss  and  •implicity.  Shun  finery  and 
show. 

Hn  not  in  haste  to  follow  new  fashions. 

Krmerrdier,  tintt  with  regard  to  dress,  Christians  ought 
i(»  bn  df>ridpdiy  plainer,  and  less  showy  than  the  people  of 
the  world.  I  wish  it  to  be  snid  of  the  females  of  my  houHP, 
'«  with  what  evident  nnd  Inn'oming  simplicity  are  the  daugh- 
ters of  Simplex*  attired." 

niimAVIOtIK   liN  rOMHANV. 

Bo  cheerful,  but  not  gigglers. 
Be  serious,  but  not  dull. 
Be  oomuumicative,  but  not  fbrward. 
Bn  kind,  but  not  sorvilo. 

In  <H(<ry  <'omp;iny,  support  your  own  and  your  faiher'a 
pvmciples  by  cautioua  consistency. 

*  Mr.  ttiohBlond^i  Blgnatura  in  the  *Chriatian  Guardian.' 


RKV.    LBOH    RICHMOND.  IGl 

He  u  are  of  silly  thoughtless  spcochos  :  although  you  may 
lorjr«'l  thoin,  others  will  not. 

licmeinbcr  (iod's  eye  is  in  every  place,  and  his  oar  in 
cvory  company. 

Uewure  of  levity  and  familiarity  with  young  men ;  a  mo- 
dest reserve,  without  affectation,  is  the  only  safe  path — 
grace  is  needful  here  ;  hsk  for  it ;  you  know  where. 

J0URNBYINO8. 

Cultivate  knowledge  as  you  travel : — 

History,  antiquitie8,-7-in  cities,  towns,  churches,  castles, 
ruins,  &c. 

Natural  history, — in  plants,  earths,  stones,  minerals,  ani- 
mals, &c. 

l*icturesquo  taste, — in  landscape  scenery  and  all  its 
boundless  combinations. 

Cultivate  good-humoured  contentment,  in  all  the  little 
mconveniences  incident  to  inns,  roads,  weather,  6lc. 

(/ultivate  u  deep  and  grateful  sense  of  the  power,  wis- 
dom, and  goodn(\ss  of  (lod,  in  creation  and  providence,  as 
successively  presenteil  to  your  notice  from  place  to  place. 

Keep  diaries  and  miMuoranda  of  daily  events,  places, 
persons,  objects,  conversations,  s(*rmons,  public  meetings^ 
beauties,  wonders,  and  mercies,  as  you  travel.  Bo  minuto 
and  faithfid. 

Ask  many  questions  of  such  as  can  afford  useful  informa- 
tion as  to  what  you  see. 

Write  your  diary  daily ; — delays  are  very  prejudicial. 
You  owe  a  diary  to  yourself,  to  your  friends  left  at  home, 
and  to  your  fatlicr,  who  gives  you  the  pleasure  and  profit 
of  the  journey. 

PRAYER. 

Strive  to  preserve  a  praying  mind  through  the  day  ;  not 
wnly  at  tlie  usual  and  stated  periods,  but  every  where,  and 
at  all  times,  and  in  all  companies.     This  is  your  bvst  pro* 
»ervative  agoinst  orror,  woaknesi,  and  sin. 
16* 


1G:;J  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

Always  think  yourselves  in  the  midst  of  temptations ; 
and  never  more  so,  than  when  most  pleased  with  outward 
objects  and  intercourse. 

Pray  and  watch  ;  for  if  the  spirit  be  willing,  yet  the  flesh 
is  deplorably  weak. 

RELIGION. 

Keep  ever  in  mind,  that,  for  your  own  sake  and  for  my 
sake,  you  have  a  religious  profession  to  sustain  ;  and  this 
both  in  serious  and  worldly  company.  Be  firm  and  con- 
sistent in  them  both.  Many  eyes  and  ears  are  open,  to 
observe  what  my  children  say  and  do,  and  will  be,  wherever 
we  go.  Pray  to  be  preserved  from  errors,  follies,  and  of- 
fences, which  bring  an  evil  name  upon  the  ways  of  God. 
You  may  sometimes  hear  ridicule,  prejudice,  and  censure 
assail  the  friends  of  true  religion — it  ever  was,  and  will  be 
so  :  "  but  blessed  are  they  who  are  persecuted  for  righteous- 
ness' sake,  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  Be  not 
ashamed  of  Christ  here,  and  he  will  not  be  ashamed  of 
you  hereafter. 

Court  and  encourage  serious  conversation  with  those 
who  are  truly  serious  and  conversible  ;  and  do  not  go  into 
valuable  company  without  endeavouring  to  improve  by  the 
intercourse  permitted  to  you.  Notliing  is  more  unbecom- 
ing, when  one  part  of  a  company  is  engaged  in  profitable 
and  interesting  conversation,  than  that  another  part  should 
be  trifling,  giggling,  and  talking  comparative  nonsense  to 
each  other. 

Ever  show  the  interest  which  you  take  in  the  subjects  of 
schools  for  the  poor,  the  distribution  of  tracts,  the  Bible 
and  Missionary  Societies,  and  all  those  important  topics 
which  so  deeply  occupy  the  people  of  God  :  and  when  you 
can  find  a  congenial  friend,  talk  of  heaven  and  eternity, 
and  your  soul  and  your  Saviour.  This  will  be  as  a  shield 
to  your  head  and  your  heart. 


REV.   LEGH    RICHMOND.  163 

ESTIMATE   OP   CHABACTXSS. 

Look  first  for  grace.  Do  not  disesteem  good  people  on 
account  of  their  foibles,  or  deficiencies  in  matters  of  little 
importance.  Gold  unpolished,  is  far  more  valuable  than 
the  brightest  brass.  Never  form  unfevourable  opinions  of 
religious  people  hastily, — *'  Charity  hopeth  all  things." 
Prize  those  families  where  you  find  constant  family  prayer  ; 
and  suspect  evil  and  danger,  where  it  is  avowedly  un- 
known and  unpractised.  Always  remember  the  astonish- 
ing difference  between  the  true  followers  of  Jesus,  and  the 
yet  unconverted  worlds  and  prize  them  accordingly,  what- 
ever be  their  rank  in  society. 

Gentility  and  piety  form  a  happy  union  ;  but  poverty  and 
piety  are  quite  as  acceptable  in  the  eyes  of  God, — and  so 
they  ought  to  be  in  ours.  Not  only  are  the  poor  far  more 
in  actual  number  than  the  rich,  but  experience  proves  that 
the  proportionate  number  of  the  truly  serious  among  the 
poor  is  much  greater  than  the  corresponding  proportion  of 
numbers  among  the  rich.  Take  1000  poor  and  100  rich  ; 
you  will  probably  find  ten  of  the  latter  serious  :  but  200  of 
the  former  shall  be  so  at  the  same  time. 

Beware  of  critical  hearing  of  sermons  preached  by  good 
men.  It  is  an  awful  thing  to  be  occupied  in  balancing  the^ 
merits  of  a  preacher,  instead  of  the  demerits  of  yourself  • 
Consider  every  opportunity  of  hearing  as  a  message  sent 
you  from  heaven.  For  all  the  sermons  you  have  heard, 
you  will  have  to  render  an  account  at  the  last  day. 

PARENTS. 

Seek  to  make  them  happy  in  you. 

If  you  perceive  that  any  thing  in  your  ways  makes  them 
otherwise,  you  ought  to  have  no  peace  until  you  have  cor- 
rected it :  and  if  you  find  yourself  indiflierent  or  insen- 
sible to  their  will  and  wishes,  depend  upon  it  yours  is 
a  carnal,  disobedient,  ungrateful  heart.  If  you  love  them, 
keep  their  commandments  ;  otherwise  love  is  a  mere 
word  in  the  moutli,  or  a  notion  in  the  fancy,  but  not 
a  ruling  principle  in  the  heart.  They  know  much  of  the 
world,  you  very  little  :  trust  them  therefore>  when  they 


164  MEMOIRS    OF   THE 

differ  from  you  and  refuse  compliance  with  your  de- 
sires,— they  watch  over  you  for  God,  and  are  entitled  to 
great  deference  and  cheerful  obedience.  You  may  easily 
shorten  the  hves  of  affectionate  and  conscientious  parents 
by  misconduct,  bad  tempers,  and  alienation  from  their  in- 
junctions. Let  not  this  sin  be  laid  to  your  charge. 
"  I  shall  add  no  more  at  present,  than  that  I  am 
"  Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  RicHMO^sD.  ■ 


CHAPTER  X. 

Publication  of  his  Tracts, — Review  of  them, —  Their  great 
popularity  and  extensive  circulation,  <Sfc. — American  edi- 
tions,— Remarks  on  the  subject, — Mr.  Richmond's  con- 
nexion ivith  the  Tract  Society. 

During  Mr.  Richmond's  residence  in  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
some  interesting  events  occurred,  connected  with  his  mi- 
nistry, which  he  first  made  known  to  the  pubHc  through  the 
medium  of  the  *  Chi-istian  Guardian.'  These  communica- 
tions having  excited  much  attention,  he  was  afterward  in- 
duced to  publish  them  in  the  form  of  tracts,  of  which  the 
first  that  made  its  appearance  was  "  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter."  "  The  Negro  Servant,"  and  "  the  Young 
Cottager,  or  Little  Jane,"  successively  followed :  and 
finally,  in  the  year  1814,  they  were  united  into  one  volume, 
under  the  title  of"  Annals  of  the  Poor"  with  the  following 
appropriate  motto,  from  Gray  : — 

"  Let  not  ambition  mock  their  useful  toil, 
Their  homely  joys  and  destiny  obscure ; 
Nor  grandeur  hear  with  a  disdainful  smile, 
The  short  and  simple  annals  of  the  poor." 

His  "  Dairyman's  Daughter"  rapidly  acquired  an  unex- 
ampled celebrity.    It  was  read  with  an  avidity  that  reqpired 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  IC5 

successive  editions  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  the  public, 
and  soon  became  the  most  popular  tract  of  the  day.  The 
author,  from  the  generous  motive  of  ensuring  to  it  a  more 
extended  usefulness,  was  induced  to  present  it  to  the  Reli- 
gious Tract  Society,  by  whom  it  was  immediately  trans- 
lated into  the  French  and  Italian  languages.  The  writer 
of  this  Memoir  well  remembers  a  circumstance  connected 
with  this  celebrated  tract,  which  he  will  here  mention.  He 
was  taken  by  Mr.  Richmond,  in  the  year  1811,  to  attend 
a  committee  meeting  of  the  Tract  Society,  when  one  of 
the  members  rose  up,  and  observed  that  as  he  came  with 
the  full  intention  of  submitting  to  them  the  motion  in  his 
hand,  he  hoped  he  should  not  violate  the  delicacy  of  its  au- 
thor, by  proposing,  that  the  tract  of  "  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter,"  the  merit  of  which  had  been  so  generally  re- 
cognised, should  be  translated  into  the  German,  Swedish 
and  Danish  languages.  Another  member  then  rose  and 
said,  that  he  trusted  he  should  be  excused  for  adding  an 
amendment  to  the  motion,  by  recommending  that  the 
above  tract  be  translated  into  all  the  European  languagesy 
as  far  as  means  and  opportunities  might  occur  for  that  pur- 
pose. The  resolution  was  unanimously  carried  in  this 
amended  form.  The  tract  has  since  been  translated  into 
most  of  the  Continental  languages.  It  has  also  obtained  a 
wide  circulation  in  America  :  the  Old  and  the  New  Worm 
have  alike  stamped  it  with  the  sealof  popular  approbation. 
At  home,  several  editions  of  20,000  copies  each  were 
printed  within  a  very  short  period,  and  the  copies  which 
have  been  circulated  in  the  English  language  alone,  to  the 
present  time,  are  supposed  to  have  been  between  one  and 
two  millions.*   It  has  found  its  way  to  the  palaces  of  kings,! 

*  Of  this  tract  the  American  Society  have  within  three  years 
published  tixty  thmuand  copieo,  and  it  is  estimated  that  not  less  than 
ont  hundred  and  forty  thousand  copies  of  this  tract  have  been 
printed  in  the  United  States.     A.  E. 

t  A  copy  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Paterson  to  the  late 
Emperor  of  Russia,  the  circumstances  of  which  we  shall  soon  mea- 
lion. 


160  MEMOIRS    OF    THE" 

and  been  seen  in  the  hut  of  the  Indian.*  Its  author  wa« 
informed  of  thirty  instances  in  which  it  was  acknowledged 
to  have  been  instrumental  to  the  conversion  of  its  readers* 
of  whom  one  was  a  female  convict  at  Botany  Bay.  The 
last  instance  of  its  usefulness  was  communicated  to  him 
only  within  twenty-four  hours  of  his  decease  ;  and  from  its 
peculiarity  deserves  to  be  mentioned. 

A  clergyman,  who  had  conceived  a  violent  antipathy 
against  the  Rehgious  Tract  Society  and  all  its  publications, 
was  induced  to  select  '  the  Dairyman's  Daughter,'  for  the 
purpose  of  criticising  and  exposing  its  defects.  In  the  pe- 
rusal of  it  he  was,  however,  so  arrested  by  the  interest  of 
the  story,  and  so  penetrated  by  the  power  of  the  religious 
truths  it  contained,  that  the  pen  of  criticism  dropped  from 
his  hand,  prejudice  was  charmed  into  admiration,  and  he 
was  added,  as  another  trophy  of  that  grace  which  had 
shone  so  brightly  in  the  life  and  death  of  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter. 

After  what  we  have  stated,  we  may  justly  inquire,  to 
what  are  we  to  attribute  the  great  popularity  of  this 
tract  ? 

No  doubt,  the  happy  union  of  interest  and  simplicity  in 
the  story,  the  graces  of  its  style,  and  the  beautiful  imagery 
of  its  descriptions,  have  rendered  it  attractive  to  every  rea- 
der ;  but  the  stamp  of  truth  and  reality  which  marks  its 
details,  and  the  expression  of  feelings  which  find  a  response 
in  every  awakened  mind,  constitute  its  principal  charm.  It 
is  needless,  however,  to  prove  the  excellence  of  a  tract,  of 
which  four  millions  of  copies  have  been  circulated  in  the 
nineteen  languages  into  which  it  has  been  translated  ;  or 
to  adduce  testimonies  to  their  usefulness,  which  have  been 
already  printed  in  almost  every  report  of  the  Tract  Society* 
in  addition  to  numerous  instances  privately  received  by  Mr. 

*  A  copy  was  seen  by  a  traveller  in  the  hut  of  a  North  Americaa 

Indian. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  1G7 

Richmond,  and  which  are  frequently  alluded  to  in  his 
letters.* 

A  suspicion  has  been  expressed  by  s/jiao,  as  to  the  entire 
genuineness  of  the  tract  of  the  Dairymaw's  Daughter,  ari- 
sing from  an  idea  that  the  language  and  sentiments  of  her 
letters  were  far  beyond  the  capacity  of  persons  in  that  situa- 
tion of  hfe.  The  writer  of  this  Memoir  once  entertained 
the  same  doubt ;  and  as  it  tended  greatly  to  diminish  the  in- 
terest and  profit  which  he  would  otherwise  have  found  in 
the  perusal  of  the  tract,  he  some  years  ago  ventured  to  ex- 
press his  feelings  to  Mr.  Richmond,  who,  in  consequence, 
produced  some  of  her  letters,  which  were  carefully  examin- 
ed ;  and  the  result  was,  that  no  alteration  was  found  to 
have  been  made,  except  the  correction  of  the  spelHng,  and 
the  occasional  change  of  a  single  word,  for  one  which  bet- 
ter expressed  her  meaning. 

In  further  confirmation  of  the  genuine  character  of 
these  interesting  narratives,  we  lay  before  the  reader  a  let- 
ter addressed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  by  a  highly  respectaljle 
gentleman,  who  was  connected  for  many  years  with  Mr. 
Richmond  as  a  friend  and  parishioner. 

**  Turoey  Abbey,  Feb,  21, 1828. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

'•  The  conversation  we  had  together  the  other  day,  re- 
specting the  interesting  tract  called  *  The  Dairyman's 
Daughter,'  induced  me  to  request  a  sight  of  the  original 
letters. 

"  I  own  that  I  could  not  dismiss  from  my  mind,  when  I 
formerly  read  the  tract  that  our  friend  had  improved  thn 
young  woman's  letters  according  to  his  own  amiable  and 
pious  feelings,  and  it  was  not  without  pleasure  and  surprise 
C  found,  on  the  perusal  of  the  originals,  that  they  were  in 
every  respect  as  he  had  given  them  ;  with  the  exception  of 

*  Copious  extracts  from  his  tracts  were  here  inserted,  but  are 
MOW  omitted,  because  of  their  very  general  circulation  in  this  coun- 
try.   A.  E. 


168  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

the  bad  spelling,  and  the  unnecessary  use  of  capital  letters, 
which  he  had  corrected,  and  a  word  which  was  here  and 
there  added  or  omitted,  to  make  the  young  woman's  mean- 
ing more  plain  and  intelligible.  This  latter  alteration, 
however,  of  rare  occurrence,  and  such  as  was  not  only  al- 
lowable, but  necessary. 

"  I  think  it  would  be  advisable  to  advert  to  this  circum- 
stance in  Mr.  Richmond's  Memoir,  as  it  is  possible  that 
others  may  labour  under  the  same  mistake  wiUi  myself. 

"  I  trust  the  mention  of  the  defect  of  her  letters  will  not 
weaken  the  effect  of  the  young  woman's  sincere  piety,  as 
she  herself  frequently  lamented  her  want  of  ability  to  write 
and  spell  correctly. 

"  I  am,  my  dear  Sir, 

"  Yours  very  sincerely, 
"John  Higgins." 

As  to  the  fact^  of  the  story,  the  writer  is  able  to  offer  a 
vr'ry  satisfactory  proof  of  their  correctness.  The  Rev, 
Mr.  Hughes,  one  of  the  estimable  secretaries  of  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  visited  the  spot,  in  company 
with  another  friend,  where  this  interesting  young  woman 
formerly  resided,  and  interrogated  the  brother  (who  had 
read  the  tract,)  whether  the  circumstances  of  the  story 
were  precisely  the  same  as  they  are  there  related  ?  To 
this  he  replied,  there  was  only  one  fact  that  was  misrepre- 
sented. Being  asked,  with  some  degree  of  anxiety,  what 
that  fact  was,  he  observed,  that  Mr.  Richmond  had  descri- 
bed a  vine  trained  near  the  side  of  the  window,  whereasi  ii 
was  not  a  vine,  but  an  apple-tree.  If  historic  truth  had 
never  been  more  seriously  violated  than  in  this  instance, 
the  credibility  of  facts  would  seldom  have  been  impeached. 
Seven  cities  would  not  have  contended  for  the  honour  of 
Homer's  birth.  The  Trojan  war  would  not  have  been  the 
subject  of  a  grave  literary  discussion  ;  nor  would  the  sup- 
posed antiquity  of  the  Chinese  empire  have  furnished  the 
infidel  wits  of  France  with  an  occasion  to  question  the  au- 
thority of  the  Mosaic  statement. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  IG^ 

We  have  thought  it  important  to  adduce  these  testi- 
monies to  the  character  of  Mr.  Richmond's  tracts,  being 
aware  of  a  chsposition  in  the  minds  of  some  to  identify 
thern  with  a  class  of  publications  which  profess  to  convey 
rehgious  truth  under  the  garb  of  fiction.  We  do  not  mean 
to  discuss  the  propriety  of  such  a  vehicle  of  instruction  ; 
but  we  wish  to  distinguish  these  publications  from  the  wri- 
tings of  our  friend,  who  sought  his  materials,  not  in  the  re- 
gions of  fancy,  but  in  the  less  questionable  sources  of  fact 
and  reality.  We  consider  Mr.  Richmond  to  have  been  ex- 
celled by  no  writer  in  this  species  of  composition.  To  a 
style  simple,  elegant,  and  full  of  pathos,  he  united  a  spirit 
of  Christian  love,  which  transfused  its  sweetness  into  every 
thought  and  expression  ;  and  his  imagination,  rich  and 
powerful,  being  purified  by  "  a  live  coal  from  the  altar," 
was  consecrated  in  all  its  varied  exercises,  to  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  true  interests  of  man.  While,  if  his  fancy 
sparkled  with  the  beautiful  tints  of  the  rainbow,  it  was 
only  to  fix  the  gaze  of  the  admirer  on  the  heavenly  world. 

We  cannot  conclude  these  remarks  without  adverting  to 
two  editions  of  the  *  Dainman's  Daughter,'  published  in 
America  ;  the  one  by  the  Philadelphia  Sunday  and  Adult 
School  Union,  and  the  other  by  the  New  England  Tract 
Society,  at  Boston. 

On  comparing  these  editions  with  tlic  English  copies  of 
the  same  work,  we  were  surprised  to  find  numerous  in- 
stances of  omission  or  alteration.  The  American  editions 
differ  from  each  other,  as  well  .as  from  the  English  tract. 
Surely  an  author  and  the  public  have  a  right  to  expect 
from  an  editor  a  faithful  adherence  to  tlie  original ;  or,  at* 
least,  that  he  should  apprise  the  reader  of  alterations,  and 
assign  a  reason  for  making  them.  But,  in  the  instance 
before  us,  the  foreign  tracts,  though  they  bear  the  name  ol' 
Mr.  Richmond,  arc  far  from  being  his  own  work.  The 
tirst  letter  of  the  Dairym'an's  daughter,  which  contains  her 
religious  principles,  is  wholly  omitted  ;  the  interesting  fact 
relating  to  the  burial  service,  is  suppressed  ;  no  less  than 
nineteen  pages  of  the  narrative  arc  removed  ;  and,  iu 
16 


170  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

short,  there  are  so  many  omissioRs,  transpositions,  and  al- 
terations, that  the  reader  would,  with  difficulty,  recognise 
the  real  features  of  the  cliaractcr  of  the  pious  daughter  of 
the  Dairyman.  We  cannot  but  complain  of  this  gross  mu- 
tilation of  our  friend's  interestinii  memoir,  as  an  imposition 
on  the  reader,  and  an  injustice  to  the  author's  repi»lation. 

Without  intending  to  impugn  the  integrity  of  our  Ame- 
rican brethren,  or  to  assign  motives  for  their  conduct,  we 
must  express  our  regret ;  considering,  as  we  do,  such  in- 
terpolations and  false  presentments,  to  be  both  injurious  to 
the  memor}'  of  an  author,  a  misrepresentation  of  his  prin- 
ciples, and  an  interference  with  his  design,  by  no  means 
consistent  with  fair  and  honourable  feeling  ;  and  we  cannot 
but  hope,  that  the  evil  complained  of,  will  be  corrected  in 
subsequent  editions.  The  justness  of  these  remarks  must 
plead  our  excuse,  (if  any  be  needful,)  for  their  introduc- 
tion in  this  place.* 

*  Concerning  the  two  editions  of  which  the  biographer  com- 
plains, we  know  nothing.  We  have,  however,  been  led  carefully 
to  compare  the  Dairyman's  Daughter,  as  published  by  the  Ameri- 
can Tract  Society,  with  two  editions  published  by  the  London  Re- 
ligious Tract  Society,  of  which  Mr.  Richmond  was  a  Secretary  ; — 
and  we  are  happy  in  being  able  to  assure  the  public,  that  there  is 
no  cause  of  complaint  against  that  edition.  It  is,  indeed,  an 
abridgment ;  but  so  careful  have  the  committee  been,  that  in  no 
instance  is  there  an  alteration  in  the  language,  which  at  all  affects 
either  the  style  or  sentiments  of  the  author.  The  alterations  are 
such  as  were  unavoidable  in  connecting  paragraphs  and  preserving 
the  unity  of  the  narrative.  The  omissions  are  principally  descrip- 
tions of  natural  scenery,  and  the  reflections  of  Mr.  R.  The  narra- 
tive is  entirely  preserved.  The  fact  relative  to  the  burial  service, 
is  inserted  in  page  7.  The  letter,  containing  the  religious  princi- 
ples of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter,  is  omitted,  as  the  same  senti- 
ments are  fully  set  forth  in  the  conversations  recorded  in  the  narra- 
tive. To  have  published  the  whole,  would  have  made  a  tract  of 
50  or  60  pages — would  have  greatly  increased  the  expense,  and, 
consequently,  greatly  limited  its  circulation.  Before  the  publica- 
tion of  the  tract  in  its  present  form,  it  was  approved  by  a  commit- 
tee of  five  clergymen,  of  different  denominations.  Of  this  com- 
mitlee,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Milnor  represents  the  Episcopalian  in  erest. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  171 

"  A  very  useful  method,"  says  Archbishop  Seeker,  "  of 
spreading  the  knowledge  of  religion,  is  by  distributing,  or 
procuring  to  be  distributed,  such  pious  books,  especially  to 
the  poorer  sort,  as  are  best  suited  to  their  capacities  and 
circumstances.  Much  good  may  be  done  in  this  way,  to 
considerable  numbers  at  once,  in  a  more  acceptable  man- 
ner, ff»r  a  trifling  expense." 

Witli  similar  views  and  sentiments  to  those  expressed 
by  the  venerable  Archbishop,  a  number  of  pious  persons, 
more  than  twenty  years  ago,  formed  an  association,  which 
they  called  "  The  Religious  Tract  Society  "  Pubhcations 
like  those  of  Mr.  Richmond,  could  not  fail  to  attract  the 
notice  of  such  an  institution  :  and  his  well-known  libera- 
lity, together  with  the  high  estimation  in  which  his  charac- 
ter was  held,  induced  the  committee  of  that  society  t» 
make  proposals  to  him,  of  becoming  one  of  their  secreta- 
ries. At  that  time,  the  institution  had  no  church-repre- 
sentative, though  the  committee  was  composed  of  persons 
of  all  denominations.  The  secretaries  were,  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Hughes,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Steinkopf,  well  known 
from  their  connexion  with  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society.  By  the  accession  of  Mr.  Richmond,  it  was  justly 
expected  that  the  society  would  derive  increased  wisdona 
in  its  councils,  and  vigour  and  unity  in  its  operations.  The 
editor  well  remembers  the  circumstances  of  this  applica- 
tion, and  the  reasons  which  induced  Mr.  Richmond  to  ac^ 

We  have,  also,  compared  it  with  the  edition  of  the  Dairyman "i 
Daughter,  published  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Tract  Society,  of 
New- York;  and,  we  find  this  latter  f met  still  more  abridged  and 
altered,  than  i?  the  edition  of  the  American  Tract  Society. 

It  is  proper  to  add,  that  the  two  editions  of  the  London  Society 
differ  very  much  from  each  other,  both  a?  to  language  and  matter. 
If  Mr.  Grinshawe  compared  the  American  editions  with  the  edition 
published  by  the  London  Society,  he  would  see  cause  of  complaint. 
But  if,  ou  the  other  hand,  he  should  compare  them  with  the  London 
edition,  of  1812,  from  which  they  w»^re  republished,  he  wtmid  ra- 
ther admire  the  candour  with  which  they  were  abridged,  and  the 
very  strict  reg;ard  which  was  paid  to  the  language  of  the  author. — 
Ax.  Ep. 


17^  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

cept  the  secretaryship.  It  was  an  offer  wliich  required 
serious  dehberation.  On  the  one  hand,  Mr.  Richmond 
considered  that  a  strong  prejudice  was  known  to  exist 
against  the  society,  not  only  among  the  enemies  of  true 
piety,  but  also  among  some  of  its  friends.  It  was  suppo- 
sed to  consist  almost  exclusively  of  Dissenters,  and  its 
tracts  were  regarded  with  jealousy  and  suspicion.  To 
accept  this  offer,  he  feared,  might  identify  him  with  dissent 
(though  he  was  ever  warmly  attached  to  the  doctrines  and 
discipline  of  his  own  church,)  and  might  endanger  his 
usefulness  in  the  legitimate  field  of  his  labours.  On  the 
other  hand,  he  recognised  in  the  institution  many  claims  to 
his  regard.  Its  object  was  the  same  which  lay  near  to  his 
own  heart, — the  circulation  of  tracts,  and  the  revival  of 
the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  He  saw  in  the  con- 
nexion, an  opportunity  of  extending  his  usefulness  ;  and 
certain  pledges  and  securities  seemed  all  that  was  wanting, 
to  allow  of  the  co-operation  of  a  conscientious  churchman. 
He  thought,  that  under  the  sanction  of  a  sufl^cient  guaran- 
tee against  the  introduction  of  peculiarities,  there  was  no 
just  reason  for  his  refusal  of  the  office  proposed  to  him  ; 
and  that  by  his  acceptance  of  the  secretaryship,  he  might 
even  promote  the  interests  of  his  own  church  by  prevent- 
ing the  circulation  of  tracts  hostile  to  her  opinions  ;  as 
well  as  advance  the  common  cause  of  true  religion.  The 
required  guarantee  was  given  :  Mr.  Richmond  accepted 
the  proposal  of  the  Tract  Society  ;  and,  from  that  period 
to  the  day  of  his  death,  he  had  no  reason  to  complain  that 
the  engagement  Avas  violated  in  a  single  instance. 

Mr.  Richmond's  decision  may  give  occasion  to  a  differ- 
ence of  opinion.  By  some  he  may  be  censured, — by  most 
persons  his  conduct  will  be  approved  and  admired.  Those 
who  consider  a  union  with  Dissenters,  under  any  circum- 
etances,  as  a  virtual  surrender  of  principle,  and  a  violation 
of  ecclesiastical  disciphne,  will  condemn  his  connexion  with 
the  Tract  Society  ;  but  we  have  never  been  convinced  that 
a  union  on  common  ground  with  any  part  of  the  family  of 
Obrist,  is  an  act  of  treason  against  our  own  church.    The 


REV.    LKGH    RICflMOND.  173 

uoion  requires  not  a  surrender  o(  principle,  but  of  prejudice : 
it  requires  no  compromise  of  forms. — but  it  does  require  a 
just  estimation  of  the  essential  truths  of  salvation.  We  con- 
fess it  has  ever  appeared  to  us  a  strange  inconsistency,  that 
the  most  violent  opponents  to  the  union  of  true  Christians, 
upon  common  principles,  should  themselves  have  united 
with  Lutherans,  and  employed  them  as  their  agents  to  plant 
churches,  and  disseminate  religious  knowledge,  and  that 
for  a  long  period  of  time  ,  though,  in  discipHne  wholly,  and 
partly  in  doctrine,  those  agents  differ  from  their  own  estab- 
lishment. 

From  this  vindication  of  our  friend,  we  turn  to  the  im- 
portant results  of  the  Tract  Society.  Eveiy  part  of  the 
globe  has  been  the  scene  of  its  operations  ;  and  from  every 
part  of  the  globe  the  most  pleasing  testimonies  of  approba- 
tion and  usefulness  have  been  received.  Bishops  and  arch- 
bishops, emperois  and  kings,  ministers  of  the  Reformed, 
and  even  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  have  been  loud  io 
its  praises.  We  regret  that  the  limits  of  this  Memoir  will 
not  allow  us  to  insert  numerous  interesting  proofs  of  the 
Divine  favour,  attendant  on  the  publications  of  the  Society. 
We  must  refer  the  reader  to  the  summary  of  proceedings  for 
the  last  twenty  years,  published  in  one  volume,  by  the  Tract 
Society,  and  which  contains  a  most  satisfactory  vindication 
of  the  character  of  the  tracts,  and  the  design  of  the  institu- 
tion. 

We  have  purposely  omitted  numerous  testimonies  to  the 
usefulness  of  Mr.  Richmond's  tracts,  received  from  almost 
every  part  of  Great  Britain,  as  well  as  from  many  foreign 
countries  (so  numerous  indeed  that  they  would  fill  several 
chapters,)  lest  we  should  seem  to  depart  from  tliat  Christian 
modesty  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  their  author. 
We  hope  the  candid  reader  will  pardon  what  the  warmth  of 
our  affection  has  dictated  ;  and  the  more  readily,  when  ho 
remembers  that  all  that  we  have  said  of  the  man,  magnifies 
the  grace  of  God  which  was  in  him,  and  wrought  effec- 
tually by  him. 

16* 


174  'MEMOIRS    OF    THK 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Made  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Kent, — Mrs.  Richmond's  ill- 
nesSi — New  school-room, — Report  of  his  son's  death, — 
Embarrassment  on  account  of  ''  the  Fathers  of  the  Eng- 
lish Church,^'' — Interview  with  the  Emperor  of  Russia, — 
Letters  to  and  from  his  Imperial  Majesty, — Princess 
Metstchersky, — Letters  to  Mrs.  Livius, —  Verses  written 
on  the  marriage  of  a  friend's  daughter. 

Among  the  distinguished  characters  who  gave  the  sanc- 
tion of  their  rank  and  influence  to  the  public  institutions  of 
our  country,  his  late  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Kent 
is  pre-eminently  entitled  to  our  grateful  remembrance. 
Every  religious  and  benevolent  undertaking  found  in  him  a 
powerful  friend  and  patron.  He  was  the  avowed  advocate 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  He  was  the  pa- 
tron also  of  the  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among 
the  Jews.  He  usually  attended,  and  took  the  chair,  at  the 
anniversaries  of  the  numerous  public  charities  in  the  city  of 
London  ;  on  which  occasions  Mr.  Richmond  often  met  his 
Royal  Highness,  and  by  the  intervention  of  a  common 
friend,  became  one  of  his  chaplains. 

In  the  discharge  of  his  functions,  Mr.  Richmond  was 
frequently  required  to  officiate  at  the  palace.  On  one  of 
these  occasions,  the  Duke  and  Duchess  and  their  retinue 
were  all  present.  His  Royal  Highness  heard  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's sermon  with  profound  attention  ;  and  when  the 
service  was  concluded,  he  was  pleased  to  express  his  appro- 
bation of  the  impressive,  scriptural,  and  faithful  truths  he 
had  heard  ;  adding,  that  he  fully  concurred  in  their  impor- 
tance, and  wished  to  feel  their  influence.  At  the  same  lime 
he  inquired  how  he  had  attained  so  remarkable  a  fluency  in 
the  expression  of  his  ideas  ;  and  asked  whether  his  discourse 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  175 

had  been  committed  to  memory.  Mr.  Richmond  replied 
in  the  negative  ;  and  said  that  he  usually  committed  to  pa- 
per a  (ew  leading  heads  of  his  subject,  but  he  modestly  as- 
cribed his  ready  utterance  to  the  effect  of  habit.  His 
Royal  Highness  expressed  a  hope  that  he  would  preach  at 
the  palace  whenever  he  came  to  town  ;  and  added,  "you 
must  converse,  Sir  with  the  Duchess  on  these  subjects,  for 
she  understands  them  far  better  than  I  do." 

On  the  evening  of  that  day,  Mr.  Richmond  received  a 
polite  request  from  the  Duke  of  Kent,  that  he  would  send 
iiim  the  notes  from  which  he  had  preached  in  the  morning. 
A  discussion  had  taken  place  at  the  palace,  on  the  subject 
of  Mr  Richmond's  extempore  preaching  ;  and  it  had  been 
said,  that  no  man  could  preach  so  accurately,  as  well  as 
fluently,  without  large  and  copious  notes. 

The  notes,  on  inspection,  were  found  to  occupy  a  very 
small  space  ;  and  we  mention  this  little  anecdote  as  another 
proof  of  that  talent  in  extempore  preaching  for  which  he 
was  remarkable. 

Mr.  Richmond  continued  to  be  honoured  with  the  uni- 
form marks  of  his  Royal  Highness's  esteem  and  regard. 
And  when  that  solemn  event  occurred,  wliich  was  mourn- 
ed by  the  nation  at  large,  and  by  the  friends  of  religion 
and  humanity  in  particular-  Mr.  Richmond  was  one  of 
those  who  followed  his  royal  patron  to  the  grave.  There, 
as  well  as  in  various  parts  of  the  kingdom,  where  his  pub- 
lic exertions  called  him,  he  heard  many  a  testimony  to  the 
virtues,  the  zeal  and  benevolence  of  this  beloved  and  vene- 
rated prince.  Testimonies  like  these  are  instructive  to  the 
living,  while  they  are  honourable  to  the  dead.  They  prove 
that,  in  this  country,  whenever  exalted  rank  is  adorned  with 
corresponding  virtues,  and  consecrated  to  high  and  noble 
ends,  it  never  fails  to  obtain  the  best  of  all  kinds  of  ho- 
mage— the  homage  of  the  heart. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Richmond  was  visited  with  a  do- 
mestic event  which  threatened  the  most  distressing  conse- 
quences.    Mrs.  Richmond,   after  having  given  birth  to 


176  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

another  child,  and  being  apparently  recovered  from  the  ef* 
fects  of  her  confinement,  was  attacked  by  a  dangerous  ill- 
ness, occasioned,  as  was  supposed,  by  a  severe  cold.  The 
symptoms  became  very  alarming,  a  high  fever  followed,  and 
after  the  utmost  exertion  of  medical  skill,  and  the  most 
unremitting  attention,  her  recovery  was  declared  to  be  hope- 
less. 

The  suddenness  of  this  shock  to  the  feelings  of  Mr. 
Richmond,  who  had  long  known  her  value,  both  as  a  wife 
and  a  mother,  and  the  tender  age  of  most  of  his  children, 
gave  to  this  dispensation  the  poignancy  of  the  severest  trial. 
Never  can  the  writer  forget  the  impressions  made  on  his 
own  mind  at  that  period.  In  the  expectation  of  her  im- 
mediate dissolution,  she  had  taken  leave  of  all  the  members 
of  her  family.  A  very  few  of  their  more  intimate  friends 
were  permitted  to  see  her  on  this  occasion,  and  he  was  in- 
cluded in  the  number.  On  entering  the  room  with  another 
endeared  friend,  to  pay  this  mournful  visit,  he  was  surpri- 
sed to  see  an  expression  of  joyful  feeling  on  the  counte- 
nance of  the  wife,  and  a  calm  and  delightful  serenity  de- 
picted on  that  of  the  husband.  He  could  not  help  exclaim- 
ing,— Is  this  the  chamber  of  death  ?  Death  was  so  strip- 
ped of  its  terrors,  and  rehgion  so  surrounded  with  all  its 
consolations,  that  the  place  looked  more  like  the  portals  of 
heaven,  than  the  gloomy  vestibule  of  the  tomb.  The  tri- 
umph of  faith  in  the  dying  wife  seemed  to  support  the 
otherwise  afflicted  husband  ;  and  to  impart  to  him  a  cor- 
responding elevation  of  feeling.  He  forgot  for  the  moment 
his  own  sorrows  in  her  joys  ;  his  own  loss  in  her  gain  ;  and 
did  not  wish  to  arrest  her  expected  flight  to  the  world  of 
happy  spirits,  or  indulge  his  grief,  while  she  was  rejoicing 
in  the  mercies  of  redeeming  love. 

If  this  conduct  of  Mr  Richmond  should  excite  surprise 
in  any  of  our  readers,  let  it  be  remembered  that  he  was  in 
the  habit  of  estimating  every  thing  by  its  reference  to  eter- 
nity ;  and  that  tenderly  as  he  was  attached  to  his  wife,  and 
sensible  of  the  importance  of  her  life  to  himself  and  to  his 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  177 

children,  still  the  consciousness  of  her  assured  happiness 
was  evidently  the  absorbing  feeling  of  his  mind  at  that  time. 
God  also  gives  extraordinary  support  under  extraordinary 
trials.     "  A  martyr's  grace  in  a  martyr's  sufferings." 

*•  There  is  a  time  for  all  things  "  Nature  and  grace 
have  their  feelings,  and  there  is  a  season  for  the  lawful  ex- 
pression of  both.  The  removal  of  the  wife  would  doubt- 
less have  filled  with  the  greatest  sorrow  that  heart  which 
now  exulted  in  her  triumphant  prospects.  The  husband 
would  weep,  while  the  Christian  rejoiced  "  with  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory." 

It  will  be  well  while  we  contemplate  the  triumph  of  faith 
and  hope  in  others,  that  we  should  inquire  what  would  be 
our  feelings  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  under  the  pressure  of 
affliction.  Reader !  does  death  present  the  appalling  image 
of  a  dread  eternity  to  your  mind,  or  does  faith  open  to  your 
view  the  prospect  of  a  glorious  immortality?  Time  hurries 
on  its  rapid  course.  Sorrow,  or  joy,  the  cry  of  terror,  or 
the  song  of  victory,  must  sooner  or  later  be  the  portion  of 
every  child  of  Adam.  Be  yours  the  triumphant  song — 
"  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

The  affectionate  sympathy  of  Mr.  Richmond's  parishion^- 
ers  at  this  trying  season,  deserves  to  be  mentioned.  The 
most  fervent  prayers  had  been  offered  up  daily  for  the  re- 
covery of  Mrs.  Richmond;  those  prayers  were  heard. 
Contrary  to  all  human  expectation,  the  symptoms  of  the 
disorder  abated,  and  her  life  was  spared.  It  seemed  as  if 
she  had  entered  into  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death — 
explored  all  its  secret  recesses — penetrated  to  its  utmost 
confines,  and  seen  the  light  which  could  alone  dispel  all  its 
darkness  ;  and  then,  led  by  the  hand  of  Him  who  says, 
"  I  kill,  and  I  make  alive  :  I  wound,  and  I  heal  ;"  she 
once  mofP  returned  to  the  days  of  her  pilgrimage,  and  sur- 
vived to  follow  to  the  grave  the  hasband  who,  thirteen 
years  before,  had  resigned  her  to  the  mercy  of  his  God. 


178  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

The  following  letter  alludes  to  the  circumstances  above 
described. 

"  My  dearest  Friend,  * 

*'  A  hasty  line  must  tell  you  that  my  dear  wife  has 
been  dangerously  ill.  On  Saturday,  her  end  appeared  at 
hand,  but  she  has  since  revived,  and  we  entertain  hope. 

"  1  never  witnessed  such  a  triumph  of  grace ;  it  has 
shone  more  bright  than  tenderest  hope  could  have  expect- 
ed. Jesus  bore  her  through  the  most  painful  and  affecting 
scene  more  than  triumphantly.  Among  other  (as  it  then 
appeared,  dying)  requests,  she  desired  that  one  of  the  lit- 
tle boy's  names  (the  child  whose  birth  has  occasioned  so 
much  danger)  should  be  a  memorial  of  that  disinterested,, 
affectionate,  and  highly  valued  kindness  which  a  friend  in- 
deed once  showed  her  and  hers  in  a  time  of  need  :  that 
name  will  be  Pellatt.  She  breathed  a  most  grateful  mes- 
sage to  you  at  the  same  time  Her  manner  of  taking 
leave  of  me  and  our  eight  children  around  her  bed,  was 
more  striking  than  you  can  conceive,  or  I  can  describe. 

"  Pray  for  us,  and  give  a  line  to 

"  Your  grateful  friend, 

'<  Legh  Richmond." 

Mr.  Richmond  ever  considered  the  education  of  the 
young  as  forming  one  very  important  part  of  his  ministerial 
duties.  His  heart  was  much  in  this  work,  and  he  was  sin- 
gularly blessed  in  it.  He  diligently  fed  the  lambs  of  his 
flock  ;  and  the  first-fruits  of  his  ministry  at  the  Isle  of 
Wight  and  at  Turvey,  were  found  among  them. 

At  Turvey  he  had  been  accustomed  to  assemble  the  chil- 
dren of  the  parish  in  a  room  taken  out  of  a  barn  adjoining 
the  rectory,  but  which  was  too  small  to  accommodate  the 
numbers  that  attended.  Hitherto  the  instruction  had  been 
confined  to  the  Sunday.  Mr.  Richmond  felt  anxious  to 
afford  the  children  the  additional  advantaije  of  week-day 
lessons  in  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic,  on  the  national 
plan.     With  this  view  he  determined  to  erect  a  school- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  179 

house  ;  a  piece  of  ground  in  the  centre  of  the  village  was 
given  for  the  purpose,  by  John  Higgins,  Esq.,  and  the  ob- 
ject was  ultimately  accomplished,  by  the  contributions  of 
numerous  friends. 

We  here  insert  a  letter  on  this  subject,  written  by  Mr. 
Kichmond  to  Thomas  Pellatt,  Esq. 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  It  is  common  in  this  vicinity,  when  any  person  is 
subject  to  epileptic  fits,  that  they  go  about  from  house  to 
house,  begging  for  a  piece  of  silver  money  at  each.  When 
they  have  obtained  as  many  sixpences  and  shillings  (the  more 
they  apprehend,  the  better,)  they  get  them  all  melted  down 
into  one  amalgamated  thumb-ring  :  this  charm  they  wear, 
and  they  fancy  it  cures  their  fits.  This  may  or  may  not  be 
wise  ;  but  I  have  also  my  sort  of  fit,  and  that  is,  the  build- 
ing and  carrying  on  a  pastoral  school,  under  my  own  care 
and  labour  for  all  the  poor  children  of  my  parish,  without 
exception ;  and  local  resources  being  inadequate,  I  beg 
about  for  precious  metal,  to  be  amalgamated  into  a  ring  of 
personal  friendship  and  general  benevolence,  for  the  sup- 
port of  my  school :  not  that  I  expect  to  be  cured  myself  of 
my  fit  of  anxiety  for  the  poor's  sake,  but  that  I  do  hope  for 
the  cure  of  much  sin  and  ignorance  in  their  hearts,  lives, 
and  houses,  through  God's  blessing  on  this  union  of  chari- 
table aid. 

*•  Having  said  thus  much,  do  you  feel  it  right  to  give  my 
poor  children  either  a  donation,  or  annual  subscription,  or 
both,  or  neither  ?  Your  name  is  already  incorporated,  not 
only  with  my  heart,  but  with  my  child.  It  would  gratify 
me  to  record  it  in  my  parochial  book  also.  But  be  assu- 
red, that  if  you  refuse  me  (and  pray  do  so  without  re- 
serve, if  you  see  good  reason  for  it,)  I  shall  ascribe  your 
non-compliance  solely  to  the  purest  motives.  My  school. 
both  in  its  erection  and  continuance  is,  and  will  be,  a  monu- 
ment of  personal  esteem  to  me,  and  of  charity  to  my  poor 
'hildrcH. 

"  Your  faithful  friend, 

"  Lech  Richsiond." 


180  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

The  fidelity  of  detail  which  we  have  prescribed  to  our- 
selves in  the  execution  of  the  present  Memoir,  compels  us 
to  advert  to  a  subject  of  peculiar  delicacy.  Though  it  was 
the  object  of  Mr.  Richmond  to  train  up  his  family,  from 
their  earliest  youth,  in  those  prmciples  which  he  himself 
professed  and  adorned  ;  circumstances  of  a  painful  nature 
occurred  in  the  conduct  of  his  eldest  son.  It  cannot  fail 
to  afflict  the  mind  of  a  pious  parent,  when  he  perceives  no 
fruits  from  the  seeds  of  piety,  which  he  has  been  anxious 
to  implant  in  the  hearts  of  his  children.  Yet  this  is  far 
from  being  an  uncommon  case  ;  children  do  not  always 
adopt  the  views,  or  walk  in  the  steps  of  those  who  have 
gone  before  them  ;  unhappily,  examples  are  not  wanting  in 
pious  families,  of  greater  evils  in  the  conduct  of  their  chil- 
dren, than  are  generally  found  even  among  the  worldly  and 
the  unbelieving.  Such  grievous  disappointments  may,  per- 
haps, be  traced  in  many  instances  to  the  neglect,  the  weak- 
ness, or  the  inconsistency  of  the  parents,  who  are  rebuked 
and  chastised  by  the  Almighty,  in  the  iniquity  of  their  off- 
spring ;  yet  in  other  cases,  trials  may  be  permitted,  to  ex- 
ercise faith,  deepen  repentance,  quicken  diligence,  and  ex- 
cite to  more  frequent  and  fervent  supplications  at  a  throne 
of  grace.  But  whatever  be  the  cause  of  these  mournful 
dispensations,  they  certainly  confirm  the  views  and  declara- 
tions of  Scripture,  respecting  the  awful  condition  of  our 
fallen  nature.  They  show  that  where  the  heart  is  not  re- 
newed by  divine  grace,  the  best  instructions  and  the  bright- 
est examples  are  without  effect. 

Mr.  Richmond  used  every  means  in  the  power  of  a 
Christian  parent,  to  instruct  his  children,  and  to  restrain 
their  evil  propensities.  Neither  solemn  expostulations,  nor 
tender  entreaties,  nor  fervent  prayers  were  wanting  ;  but 
they  were  in  this  case  apparently  without  effect.  At  length, 
discovering  that  his  son,  now  sixteen  years  of  age,  evinced  a 
decided  predilection  for  a  sea-faring  life  ;  (one  of  the  last 
occupations  in  which  he  wished  to  see  him  engaged  ;)  he 
conferred  with  a  valued  friend  in  the  Transport  Office,  by 


J 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  181 

whose  advice  it  was  ultimately  arranged  that  Nugent  should 
ombark  in  a  merchant's  vessel  destined  to  Ceylon. 

These  circumstances  deeply  wounded  Mr.  Richmond's 
()atemal  feelings,  and  required  the  utmost  exercise  of  his 
principles  to  support  him  under  them.  It  was  a  disap- 
pointment of  the  keenest  kind.  This  was  his  first-born 
son,  and  in  the  days  of  tender  infancy  he  had  fondly  de- 
voted him  to  be  a  minister  of  the  sanctuary.  But  the  plant 
was  blighted  in  the  bud.  Yet  he  submitted  with  a  confiding, 
though  mournful  spirit,  to  the  will  of  God  :  he  met  his 
son  at  Deptford  ;  urged  whatever  affection  and  duty  could 
suggest  ;  prayed  with  his  child,  and  for  his  child  ;  visited 
him  again  for  the  last  time  at  Portsmouth,  where  the  vessel 
had  arrived  ;  and  having  presented  him  with  a  Bible,  which 
he  conjured  him  carefully  to  peruse,  he  committed  him  to 
that  God  who  had  promised,  *'  I  will  pour  my  spirit  upon 
thy  seed,  and  my  blessing  upon  thine  offspring."  (7«a. 
xliv.  3.)  He  saw  the  vessel  proceed  on  her  voyage  with 
emotions  better  conceived  than  described,  and  lingered  on 
the  shore  till  its  white  sails  were  discernible  no  longer. 

The  name  of  the  ship  was  the  Arniston.  The  expected 
time  of  absence  was  two  years.  Mr.  Richmond  received 
letters  from  his  son,  during  the  voyage,  as  he  arrived  at 
Madeira,  and  afterwards  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  in 
the  month  of  September ;  and  finally  from  Ceylon,  dated 
at  Columbo,  which  place  lie  reached  in  January,  1815. 

These  letters  expressed  regret  for  his  past  conduct,  and 
a  hope  that  he  might  one  day  prove  a  consolation  to  his 
parents :  other  letters  which  he  subsequently  wrote  were 
to  the  same  effect 

About  sixteen  months  afterward,  Mr.  Richmond  read 
the  afi3icting  account  in  the  public  prints  that  the  Arniston, 
on  its  return  from  Ceylon  to  Europe  had  been  lost  in  a 
dreadlul  gale  of  wind,  near  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  ;  and 
that  it  was  feared  every  person  on  board  had  perished. 
Who  can  describe  the  feelings  which,  at  that  moment,  rent 
the  hearts  of  the  unhappy  parents  ?  The  intelligence  was 
brought  by  a  vessel  from  the  Cape,  which  had  lieard  the 
17 


18ii  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

report  on  its  voyage  homewards.  Still,  no  official  intelli- 
gence had  reached  this  country.  Mr.  Richmond  waited 
the  result  with  the  most  painful  anxiety.  Information  was 
at  length  received,  that  the  vessel  was  wrecked  near  Cape 
Lagullas,  and  that  every  passenger  on  board  had  perished, 
with  tlie  exception  of  six  persons,  whose  names  were  spe- 
cified ;  in  which  number  Mr.  Richmond's  son  was  not 
mentioned. 

The  whole  family  went  into  mourning;  and  the  father 
sorrowed  for  his  lost  child  with  a  sorrow  unmitigated  by 
the  communication  of  any  cheering  circumstance  as  to  the 
state  of  his  mind,  and  his  fitness  for  so  sudden  a  change. 

Three  months  afterward,  a  letter  was  delivered  to  Mr. 
Richmond  in  the  hand-writing  of  the  very  son  whom  he 
mourned  as  dead,  announcing  that  he  was  alive — that  cir- 
cumstances had  prevented  his  setting  sail  in  the  Arniston, 
of  whose  fate  he  seemed  to  be  unconscious  ;  and  commu- 
nicating details  of  his  present  engagements  and  future 
prospects  !  The  transition  of  feeling  to  which  the  receipt 
of  this  letter  gave  rise,  produced  an  effect  almost  as  over- 
whelming as  that  which  the  report  of  his  death  had  oc- 
casioned. The  family  mourning  was  laid  aside,  and  Mr. 
Richmond  trusted  he  might  recognize,  in  this  signal  inter- 
position of  Divine  Providence,  a  ground  for  hope  that 
his  child's  present  deliverance  was  a  pledge  of  that  spiri- 
tual recovery,  which  was  now  alone  wanting  to  fill  up  the 
measure  of  his  gratitude  and  praise. 

The  following  letters,  written  during  the  period  of  pain- 
ful suspense,  equally  discover  the  heart  of  the  parent,  and 
the  piety  of  the  Christian. 

"  My  dear  Mary, 

"  On  my  return  last  night  from  tlie  scenery  of  that  per- 
fect paradise,  the  district  of  the  Lakes,  I  found  your  triple 
letter.  With  a  heart  responsive  to  your  own,  and  whose 
happiness  depends  on  yours  I  throw  myself  along  with  you 
at  the  footstool  of  grace  and  mercy,  and  say,  Not  my  will*. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  183 

but  thine  be  done,  O  Lord  !  Be  calm,  be  very  calm,  my 
love,  and  wait  the  Lord's  will.  It  appears,  doubtless,  more 
probable  that  the  commissioners  of  the  Transport  Office, 
and  the  ship  owners,  should  know  the  fact,  than  others. 
Mr.  H.  argues  on  that  ground  ;  and  it  is  our  wisdom  to 
follow  hira,  and  pause.  Perhaps  the  report  is  designed  of 
God,  to  do  us  good  :  nay,  can  I  doubt  it  ?  If  it  should 
prove  true,  the  temporary  check  given  to  it  has  a  lenient 
and  merciful  tendency,  to  prepare  our  minds  for  events ; 
if  false,  it  must  call  forth  our  gratitude,  when  it  shall  be 
proved  so.  It  can  be  no  subject  of  wonder  to  either  you  or 
me,  that  accidents  may  happen  amidst  the  perils  of  the  seas. 
I  have  ever  felt  it  a  duty  to  my  own  feelings,  to  look  upon, 
such  as  at  all  times  probable  ;  and  so,  I  am  persuaded, 
have  you.  After  all  that  we  have  gone  through  on  that 
trying  subject,  I  hope  we  are  prepared  to  view  all  its  con- 
tingencies, as  those  who  have  experienced  too  much  mercy 
from  our  God  and  Saviour,  not  to  trust  him  in  the  darker 
and  more  mysterious  providences  with  which  he  may  see 
good  to  try  us.  I  perfectly  accord  with  you,  in  the  most 
willing  surrender  of  his  life,  if  his  soul  be  but  safe  :  and  il' 
it  has  pleased  God  to  remove  him  in  this  way,  why  should 
we  wholly  despair  of  answers  to  prayer  ?  I  have  faith  in 
that  very  prayer  you  offered  up  in  May  last  for  him,  and  in 
many  others  which  you  have  sent  forth  to  heaven  in  his  be- 
lialf.  Knowing  nothing  but  what  your  letter  affords  me,  I 
shall  wait,  and  cast  ray  burden  on  the  Lord.  Do  you  the 
same  ;  and  then  we  shall  sweetly  meet  at  the  throne  of 
Grace,  in  daily  unity  and  blessed  accord.  I  could  never 
for  an  instant  doubt  that  God  had  some  designs  of  wisdom 
and  love  in  the  trials  of  last  May ;  and  I  hope  amongst 
them  is  a  more  calm,  resigned,  hopeful,  and  solid  state  of 
raind.  as  it  concerns  our  son.  I  will,  therefore,  for  the 
present,  close  the  subject,  with  an  earnest  prayer,  that  you 
and  I  may  mutually  cast  our  care  on  Him  who  careth  for 
US,  who  prescrveth  us  daily,  and  crownetli  our  unworthi^ 
noss  with  his  mercies.      He  has  a  right  to  it,  and  we  will 


184  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

not  rob  fiim  of  the  honour  of  keeping  us  as  the  apple  of 
his  eye.     So  he  giveth  his  beloved  rest.     Amen. 

"  I  will  just  observe,  that,  after  much  rainy  weather,  the 
Lord  permitted  me,  and  two  highly  valuable  friends,  Mr. 
R.,  and  young  Mr.  W.,  of  C. —  Hall,  to  have  three  of  the 
finest  days  that  ever  were  seen,  for  our  tour  to  the  Lakes. 
I  am  lost  in  wonder  and  delight  at  the  indescribable  beauties 
of  the  scenery  ;  no  language  can  convey  it, — I  wept  with 
emotion.  My  two  religious  friends  enjoyed  it  with  holy 
delight,  and  it  has  been  a  sweet  season  of  grace  to  us  alL 
Never  can  I  depict  the  beauties  and  marvels  of  what  I  have 
seen.  Never  did  I  see  the  union  of  the  God  of  creation  and 
.grace  in  such  a  point  of  view  before.  The  expectations  of 
thirty-six  years  are  far  more  than  realised,  and  I  thank  God 
they  were  sanctified.  The  Lord  be  praised  for  his  kind- 
ness, and  give  us  gratitude  for  all  his  mercies. 

"  To-morrow  I  preach  at  Lancaster ;  and  leave  on 
Wednesday,  in  my  way  to  Mr.  C,  at  Knaresborough  ;  and 
so  on  to  Leeds,  by  Saturday,  16th.  As  I  go  on  in  my  pil- 
grimage, you  shall  hear  from  step  to  step.  Remember  the 
promise,  ^  Fear  not,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand 
of  my  righteousness.'     Love  to  the  dear  children,  from 

"  Your  afiectionate 
Legh  Richmond." 

«  My  dear  Mother, 

"  We  thank  you  from  our  hearts,  for  all  your  kindness. 
We  feel  a  calm  resignation  to  the  will  of  God  in  this  new 
trial,  and  recognise  evidences  of  his  covenant  love  in  the 
consolations  which  he  vouchsafes  us.  Nature  and  memory 
will  now  and  then  be  very  busy,  and  we  feel  greatly.  Then 
we  think  of  the  efficacy  of  prayer  in  connexion  with  pro- 
mise, and  Jesus  reigns  supreme.  I  doubt  not  that  a  veil  is 
permitted  to  be  thrown  over  the  last  nine  months  of  poor 
dear  Nugent's  life,  in  order  that  faith  and  hope  may  have  a 
ground  for  exercise.  I  am  willing  to  believe,  that,  in  ad- 
dition to  all  others,  the  prayers  of  his  apparently  dying 
mother,  a  fortnight  before  the  shipwreck,  were  too  fervent 


RET.    LEGH    RICHMOND.        *  185 

and  spiritually  effectual,  not  to  avail  much  for  her  son. 
*  The  promise  is  to  you  aud  your  children,  and  to  them  that 
are  afar  off.' 

♦*The  people  here  once  more  assemble  in  crowds  at 
prayer-meetings,  for  us  :  above  250  gathered  together  last 
night  Much  sympathy  prevails  ;  and  I  trust  God  is  mak- 
ing *  all  things  work  together  for  the  good  of  them  that  love 
lum,  and  are  called  according  to  his  purpose.'  My  dear 
wife  exhibits  all  the  grace  and  Christianity  of  last  May,  on 
the  present  occasion.  She  is  incessantly  occupied.  She 
devotes  four  entire  hours  to  the  boys  alone,  indepen- 
dently of  the  three  hours  which  they  pass  with  Mr.  Gar- 
rard. The  remainder  is  appropriated  to  the  other  chil- 
dren and  tlifi  household.  She  has  high  ideas  of  the  du- 
ties both  of  a  wife  and  mother,  and  seems  to  lay  herself 
out  for  both,  with  a  mixture  of  good  sense  and  piety  which 
I  have  never  seen  exceeded,  seldom  equalled.  God  gives 
her  great  strength  of  mind  at  present,  although  she  often 
testifies  debility  of  body  and  spirits.  You  may  write  to  her 
without  fear.  I  was  prepared,  by  contradictory  reports, 
for  some  weeks  past,  to  meet  the  confirmation  of  this  sad 
catastrophe,  and  so  was  my  dear  wife  in  a  measure :  bur 
last  Saturday  morning,  as  we,  and  the  three  elder  girls,  were 
breakfasting  at  Mrs.  Livius's  at  Bedford,  the  newspaper, 
containing  the  whole  melancholy  narrative,  was  taken  up 
by  my  wife,  and  she  instantly  and  suddenly  saw  the  account. 
It  was  a  trying  hour,  and  we  all  melted.  Friends  in  need 
are  friends  indeed,  and  among  our  greatest  earthly  mercies. 
Not)ody  but  ourselves  can  rightly  estimate  this'trial,  because 
none  else  can  know  what  we  went  through  on  that  poor 
boy's  account.  Thank  God,  we  cannot  reproach  ourselves 
— we  did  the  best  we  could,  from  his  birth.  The  Lord  saw 
fit  to  try  us,  but  it  was  all  in  wisdom  and  love.  We  dreaded 
his  return  to  England,  unless  he  was  greatly  changed  :  but 
who  shall  say  that  the  great  change  was  not  wrought,  through 
Jiis  own  trials  and  sufferings,  sanctified  of  God  to  his  soul  ? 
Poor  boy !  when  his  watery  grave  appeared  to  be  his  inmio- 
4iatc  and  only  refuge,  he  must  have  thought  of  bis  poor  pa- 
17* 


IS^i  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

rents,  and  needed  a  friend  and  counsellor.  But  I  hope  Gotf 
was  better  to  him  than  any  earthly  friend — and  then,  all  is 
well,  for  him  and  us  too.  A  thousand  thoughts  sometimes 
crowd  into  our  minds,  and  make  us  weep.  Then  comes 
the  kind  Redeemer,  and  wipes  away  the  tears  from  our  eyes, 
'  This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  ouv 
faith.' 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 

L.  Richmond." 

"  My  dear  Friends, 

"  I  expected  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  speaking  tc» 
you  this  day  from  the  pulpit,  after  a  journey,  during  which 
I  have  seen  much  of  the  blessing  of  God,  both  in  my  pub- 
lic labours  and  my  private  intercourse  ; — but  we  know  not 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth  !  It  has  pleased  him  with  whom 
are  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  to  bring  me  acquainted 
with  the  event  of  the  death  of  my  first-born  child  by  ship- 
wreck on  the  shores  of  Africa,  on  the  30th  of  May  last.  I 
know  that  I  have  many  dear  friends  among  you,  who  will 
feel  for  me  under  this  trial,  and  make  allowance  for  my 
state  of  mind,  as  not  permitting  me  to  come  out  this  day. 
Nevertheless,  I  wish  you  to  hear  something  of  my  thoughts, 
and  to  know  how  a  covenant  God  and  Saviour  supports  me 
under  this  bereavement.  I  have  therefore,  desired  that 
you  would  gather  together  as  many  friends  and  neighbours 
as  you  can,  for  prayer.  We  feel  most  thankful  to  God,  and 
to  you,  for  your  prayers,  when  my  dear  partner  seemed  to 
be  dying  ;  and  believe  that  the  Lord  heard  you.  We  think 
that  he  will  hear  you  again,  when  you  ask  that  this  trial 
may  be  sanctified  to  us,  and  overruled  to  God's  glory  and 
the  final  comfort  of  many  a  soul. 

"  You  arc  none  of  you  ignorant  that  it  ple&sed  God  to 
permit  grievous  exercises  of  mind  to  befall  his  parents, 
through  some  circumstances  connected  with  the  conduct  of 
this  now  departed  youth  ;  and  I  believe  that  very  many  of 
you  have  felt  much  for  us,  before  now,  on  this  account. 
Yet  we  feel  it  to  be  a  great  mercy,  that,  making  all  neces- 


REV.  LE6H    RICHMOND.  187 

sary  allowances  for  human  defects  and  failings,  we  cannot 
reproach  ourselves  with  misconduct  towards  him.  We 
did  what  we  believed  to  be  right  and  best  for  him,  from  his 
infancy  :  the  precepts,  the  principles,  the  instructions,  and 
the  examples  which  we  endeavoured  to  set  before  him, 
were,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  according  to  the  word 
of  God,  to  the  time  of  his  leaving  us.  And  then  we  were  per- 
fectly satisfied  that  God,  in  his  providence,  had  opened  the 
best  and  only  possible  way  of  avoiding  greater  evils,  when 
he  sliowed  us  and  our  child,  that  it  was  right  and  necessary 
he  should  choose  a  sea-life,  as  his  appointed  path.  How- 
ever contrary  to  our  former  wishes,  we  submitted  to  the 
will  of  God  ;  and  he  very  cheerfully  set  out  on  his  voyage^ 
The  God  who  saw  good  that  this  should  be  his  lot  and  por- 
tion, has  forbidden  his  return  home  again  ;  and  our  boy  is 
gone  the  way  of  all  flesh.  *  The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord 
hath  taken  away — blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  !'  But 
here  is  our  hope  and  consolation.  Nearly  eighteen  years' 
prayers  have  been  unceasingly  offered  up  for  the  welfare 
of  his  soul,  and  I  believe  that  none  of  those  prayers  were 
unavailing.  Only  a  fortnight  before  the  time  at  which  he 
died,  his  mother  was  wrestling  in  earnest  and  believing 
prayer,  for  his  soul  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  The  Lord 
iieard  her  for  herself;  and  may  we  not  hope  that  he  who 
says,  *  the  promise  is  to  you  and  to  your  children,'  would 
hear  her  for  kim  likewise  ?  Moreover,  you  prayed  earnest- 
ly for  her  and  for  him  too  ;  and  the  Lord  heard  you  for 
her — why  not  for  him  hkewise  ?  All  these  things  appear 
to  the  eye  of  my  faith,  as  links  in  the  chain  of  grace  :  and 
I  do  therefore  hope,  that,  amidst  the  trials  and  wonders  of 
the  deep,  faith  and  repentance  might  be  granted  to  our 
poor  boy,  before  he  departed  hence,  and  was  no  more  seen, 
O  parents !  learn  to  pray  for  yourselves,  and  then  you  shall 
be  heard  for  your  children.  We  are  most  thankful  to  God. 
for  enabling  us  to  take  this  view  of  his  covenant  love,  and 
to  build  hope  on  this  Rock  of  ages. 

"  There  are  some  persons,  perhaps,  in  this  town,  who,  if 
their  con^jciences  are  not  seared  as  with  a  red-hot  iron,  will, 


188  MEMOIRS    OP   THE 

when  they  hear  of  this  youth's  death,  feel  some  convictioi* 
and  sorrow ;  because  they  helped  to  lead  and  strengthen 
liim  in  the  ways  of  evil,  and  thereby  to  bring  on  the  train 
of  events  which  hurried  him  to  his  early  grave.  May 
God  forgive  them,  as  I  do,  and  may  they  repent  of  their 
wickedness  before  it  be  too  late.  I  commit  his  case,  and 
their  case,  to  Jesus  Christ,  satisfied  that  '  he  doth  all  things 
well.' 

"  Some  of  you  will  remember  him  with  affection,  al- 
though you  used  to  mourn  over  his  errors.  I  sincerely 
hope  you  will  yet  meet  him  in  a  better  world — where  shall 
be  neither  sin  nor  sorrow,  and  where  no  acts  of  real  kind- 
ness to  your  fellow-creatures  will  be  forgotten. 

"  I  have  often  called  on  you  as  missionary  friends  j  and 
I  hope  I  shall  prevail  on  still  more  of  you  to  help  the  cause 
of  poor  injured  Africa. 

"  We  seem  to  have  now  another  strong  feeling  towards 
the  shores  of  Africa.  Poor  Nugent  lies  buried  there  ! 
and  our  missionary  pennies  and  pounds  are  going  to  a 
country,  which  his  father  loves  for  the  negro's  and  the 
Hottentot's  sake,  as  well  as  because  his  son  has  there  found 
a  grave.  May  the  living  and  the  dead  in  Africa  experience 
the  blessing  of  the  Lord  ! 

"  Grace,  peace,  and  mercy  be  upon  you  all !  I  hope 
His  presence  will  be  with  you,  when  you  meet  for  prayer  ; 
and  if  (as  may  be  probably  the  case,)  some  may  not  be 
with  you  the  first  time,  you  hear  this,  call  another  meeting, 
and  read  this  letter  again  ;  so  that  all  may  hear  it  who 
wish  to  do  so.  And  believe  me,  with  much  Christian  love, 
to  be 

"  Your  affectionate  fiiend  and  minister, 

Legh  Richmo>d." 

We  have  already  alluded  to  *  the  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,'  and  to  a  respectable  body  of  the  clergy,  at  whose 
earnest  entreaty,  and  on  whose  promise  of  support,  Mr. 
Richmond  undertook  that  important  publication.  At  the 
same  time,  they  submitted  to  his  consideration,  the  propriety 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  189 

of  conliuing  liis  selections  from  the  writings  of  the  Re- 
formers, to  four  octavo  volumes. 

When  our  friend  yielded  to  the  wishes  of  his  clerical 
brethren,  among  whom  was  the  late  Mr.  Robinson,  of  Lei- 
cester, and  Dr.  Gilbee,  the  rector  of  Barby,  in  Nor- 
thamptonshire, he  considered  the  whole  body  of  his  advisers 
as  responsible  for  the  expenses,  and  pledged  to  carry  him 
through  the  hazard  of  the  undertaking  :  and  with  this  idea, 
he  announced  the  proposed  work,  under  the  sanction  of  a 
joint  editorship.  The  selection  was,  however,  left  to  his 
own  discretion  ;  and  trusting  too  implicitly  to  the  reputa- 
tion and  merits  of  the  Reformers,  and  judging  of  the  pub- 
lic mind  by  his  own  estimation  of  their  writings,  he  extend- 
ed the  work  to  eight  volumes.  Admitting  the  value  of  his 
materials,  we  still  question  the  propriety  of  increasing  the 
size  of  the  publication  ;  not  only  because  the  risk  was 
doubled,  but  also,  because  the  purchase  was  rendered  too 
expensive  for  the  generaUty  of  theological  readers.  It  was 
hardly  to  be  expected  that  when  even  some  works  of  taste 
had  failed  to  excite  much  general  interest,  authors  such  as 
Cranmer,  Ridley,  Jewel,  and  other  writers  of  polemical 
divinity,  should  easily  overcome  the  indifference  and  pre- 
judice of  the  age,  so  as  to  obtain  a  rapid  and  extended 
sale,  when  brought  forth  in  eight  large  volumes.  Besides 
which,  the  subjects  of  the  second  volume  were  displeasing 
to  some  good  men,  and  hindered  the  sale,  on  account  of 
their  containing  a  higher  standard  of  doctrine  than  was 
approved  by  many  readers  of  the  old  divines  :  though  it 
was  allowed  by  all,  that  the  editor  had  performed  his  office 
of  selection  with  great  fidelity  ;  including  the  sentiments  of 
all,  and  excluding  none  ;  mingling  with  them  no  comments 
of  his  own,  but  leaving  the  reader  to  the  free  and  unfetter- 
ed exercise  of  his  judgment. 

Worldly  policy,  however,  was  not  one  of  the  qualifica- 
tions of  the  subject  of  this  memoir  :  he  was  by  no  means 
fitted  for  transactions  of  a  secular  nature.  None  possess- 
ed more  of  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove — few  had  less  ol* 
the  cautious  prudence  of  the  serpent. 


190  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  * 

The  sale  of  '  the  Fathers'  was  /insufficient  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  piiWication  ;  and  in  the  summer  of  1814,  on  a 
balance  of  accounts,  it  appeared  that  Mr.  Richmond  was 
indebted  to  his  publisher  in  the  sum  of  £2,000  ;  and  that 
he  had  no  means  of  defraying  this  large  amount,  but  by 
the  stock  in  hand. 

These  pecuniary  embarrassments  lay  heavy  on  the  mind 
of  Mr.  Richmond,  and  deeply  affected  his  spirits.  His 
depression  was  observed  by  his  friends ;  but  it  was  not 
without  difficulty  he  was  prevailed  on  to  disclose  the  cause. 
He  was  a  man  of  most  delicate  feeling,  and  shrunk  from 
the  idea  of  calhng  on  others  for  relief. 

The  knowledge  of  these  facts,  induced  many  of  his 
friends  to  exert  themselves  in  the  sale  of  '  the  Fathers ;' 
and,  by  their  exertions,  in  a  few  months  the  whole  debt 
was  discharged. 

It  is  not  intended,  by  the  above  remarks,  to  reflect  on 
the  parties  with  whom  the  work  originated,  or  on  the  per- 
sons employed  in  its  publication :  yet  it  is  but  common 
justice  to  our  much-esteemed  friend,  to  explain  to  the 
world  a  transaction  to  which  no  small  blame  has  been  at- 
tached, yet  in  which  nothing  is  to  be  regretted  but  the  in- 
creased size  of  the  work,  and  his  want  of  knowledge  in 
the  business-part  of  its  pubhcation  In  the  pecuniary 
transactions  of  life,  Mr.  Richmond  preserved  an  undevia- 
ting  rectitude.  With  an  income  never  exceeding  £400  or 
£500,  till  within  a  few  years  of  his  decease  ;  and  with  a 
family  of  twelve  children,  to  be  maintained  and  educated^ 
(with  the  exception  of  two  who  died  in  infancy,)  it  is 
much  to  his  credit  that  he  provided  things  honest  in  the 
sight  of  all  men,  *  owing  no  man  any  thing,'  and  depend- 
ing only  on  his  own  resources.  With  respect  to  the  diffi- 
culties arising  from  the  publication  of  *  the  Fathers,'  he 
ever  considered  himself  entitled  to  public  sympathy  and 
relief,  havhig  undertaken  the  work,  not,  indeed,  with  the 
security  of  legal  instruments,  yet  with  the  implied  engage- 
ment of  an  adequate  support.  Whether  he  was  right  in 
this  supposition)  we  are  not  prepared  to  decide  ;  however* 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOXD.  191 

\ 

the  purchaser  of  *  the  Fathers'  had  his  full  equivalent,  and 
no  just  blame  can  attach  to  the  memory  of  our  friend,  for 
availing  himself  of  the  voluntary  interference  of  the  church 
of  God  in  his  behalf. 

The  folio wmg  letter  shows  the  strength  of  his  Hiith,  and 
his  implicit  reliance  on  the  promises  of  God,  amidst  his 
difficulties. 

"  With  the  most  affectionate  love,  regard,  and  estima- 
tion, my  dearest  Mary,  1  must  expostulate  with  you,  on 
this  mistrustful  and  despondent  view  which  you  Seem  too 
willing  to  indulge  I  may  say,  what  has  God  done  in  his 
whole  course  of  providential  mercies  for  eighteen  years, 
that  we  should  not,  to  the  fullest  extent,  trust  Him  with 
ourselves,  our  fortunes,  and  our  children,  for  the  lime  to 
come  ?  Will  mistrust  of  our  only  Provider  and  Protector, 
render  us  less  likely  to  meet  with  trials  ?  I  am  too  deeply 
sensible,  and  grateful,  also,  for  your  conduct  and  feeling 
on  the  general  subject  of  domestic  matters,  not  to  enter 
most  heartily  into  them.  But,  as  you  have  asked  my  advice 
on  your  state  of  mind,  I  do  most  earnestly  conjure  you  to 
consider  the  genuine  meaning  of  those  texts — *  Take  no 
thought  for  the  morrow  ;'  and  *  Be  careful  for  nothing, 
but  in  etery  thina  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanks- 
giving, let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God,'  &.c. 
(PkU.  iv.  6,  7.)  See,  also,  1  Peter  v.  7  ;  Paa.  Iv.  22  ; 
and  many  more.  I  am  persuaded,  that  mistrust  of  God's 
providential  care  is  a  besetting  sin  of  many  of  God's 
children,  and  hinders  much  of  their  peace,  comfort,  and 
usefulness.  You  are  not  justified,  my  dear  Mary,  in  fore- 
boding evil  to  yourself  and  your  children.  How  many 
clergymen,  with  large  families,  have  much  fewer  comforts, 
and  worse  prospects.  God  has  blessed  us  too  much  in 
many  points  of  view,  to  warrant  such  sad  conclusions  and 
ffloomy  doubts.  Pray  lay  these  things  more  uncondition- 
ally on  the  Lord,  and  He  will  infallibly  prepare,  strengthen, 
and  support  you,  in  every  thing.     What  has  lie  not  done 


192  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

to  prove  this  ?  It  is  the  joy  of  my  lieart  to  hope  and  think 
that  your  merciful  restoration  to  me  and  mine,  is  to  exem- 
plify a  lasting  confidence  in  the  wisdom ,  love,  and  power  of 
that  God,  who  so  delightfully  brought  you  through  the 
greatest  of  all  trials,  in  the  valley  of  death,  leaning  on  his 
rod  and  his  staff.  May  God  enable  you  to  keep  up  my 
spirits  as  well  as  your  own,  by  the  belief  that  lie  who  hath 
done,  will  also  do  all  things  well.  It  is  my  perfect  per- 
suasion, that  by  faith  we  are  saved,  in  body  as  well  as  in 
soul.  Therefore,  with  the  minutest  attention  to  every  pru- 
dent and  active  means,  yet,  '  Only  believe !'  is  the  Chris- 
tian's motto." 

During  the  Emperor  Alexander's  visit  to  this  country, 
Mr.  Richmond  had  the  gratification  of  meeting  him  at 
Portsmouth.  Mr.  Richmond  had  ascended  a  lofty  tower, 
in  the  dock-yard,  and  from  its  summit  was  viewing,  through 
a  telescope,  the  surrounding  objects,  when  his  Imperial 
Majesty  and  suite  unexpectedly  came  to  the  spot.  Mr. 
Richmond  offered  to  withdraw  ;  but  the  Emperor  would 
not  consent,  saying — "  Perhaps,  sir,  you  are  acquainted 
with  the  points  of  view  before  us  ?"  Mr.  Richmond  as- 
sured him,  he  well  knew  every  spot  in  the  neighbourhood ; 
and,  drawing  out  his  telescope,  directed  the  eye  of  the 
Emperor  to  the  different  objects  worthy  of  notice.  Afler 
a  long  and  interesting  conversation  with  his  Majesty,  be- 
fore they  separated,  Mr.  Richmond  said — "  I  avail  myself 
of  this  opportunity  to  thank  your  Imperial  Majesty,  in  my 
own  name,  and  in  that  of  all  the  friends  of  the  Bible  So^ 
ciety  in  England,  for  the  distinguished  patronage  and  sup- 
port that  your'  Majesty  has  shown  to  the  same  cause  in 
Russia."  The  Emperor  obhgingly  replied — "  Sir,  my 
thanks  are  rather  due  to  your  country,  and  to  the  friends 
of  the  cause  :  for,  had  it  not  been  for  your  example,  we 
should  have  had  no  Bible  Society  in  Russia." 

Some  months  after  this  singular  interview,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond inclosed  a  copy  of  his  Tracts,  with  the  following 
letter  to  his  Imperial  Majesty. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  193 

'•  May  it  please  your  Imperial  Majesty, 

*•  An  offer  has  been  made  to  me,  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Paterson,  of  conveying  a  copy  of  the  book  which  accom- 
panies this  letter  to  your  Imperial  Majesty,  through  the 
kindness  and  condescension  of  His  Excellency  the  Prince 
Galitzin. 

"  In  presuming  to  take  this  liberty,  I  am  influenced,  not 
by  the  opinion  which  I  myself  entertain  as  to  the  value  of 
the  contents  of  the  volumes,  but  by  the  firm  persuasion 
which  I  hold,  that  the  Christian  sentiments  which  form  the 
foundation  of  those  simple  narratives,  are  dear  to  your  Ma- 
jesty's heart. 

**  Your  Majesty's  public  conduct  and  avowed  principles, 
have  tended  to  convince  me,  that  neither  the  splendour  of 
imperial  dignity,  nor  the  glory  of  military  conquests,  are, 
in  your  Majesty's  estimation,  comparable  to  the  privileges 
and  blessings  which  Christianity  alone  can  confer  on  those 
who  live  under  the  influence  of  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

"  In  the  belief  and  hope  that  it  is  your  Majesty's  desire 
to  promote  the  temporal  and  eternal  interests  of  the  people 
of  Russia,  by  any  instrument,  however  apparently  small  and 
unworthy,  which  God  may  see  good  to  bless,  I  submit  this 
little  volume  to  your  Majesty's  candid  acceptance. 

"  These  short  *  Annals  of  the  Poor'  have  been  made 
very  useful,  through  the  mercy  and  power  of  God,  to  many 
in  this  country.  England  is  now  attached  to  Russia,  not 
only  by  past  political  and  friendly  relations,  but  much  more 
than  ever,  by  your  Majesty's  dignifled  and  condescending 
deportment,  during  your  recent  visit  to  this  kingdom. 
May  the  King  of  kings,  who  is  alike  the  Lord  of  Russia 
and  of  Britain  .make  use  of  even  so  feeble  an  instrument 
as  this  little  volume,  to  convey  some  of  the  spiritual  bless- 
ings which  have  attended  its  publication  in  Britain,  to  the 
utmost  extent  of  your  Majesty's  dominions. 

•*  When  your  Majesty  shall  be  pleased  to  receive  this 
book,  may  the  author  of  it  be  permitted  to  remind  your 
Majesty,  that  he  is  the  same  individual  whom  your  Ma- 
18 


194  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

jesty  saw  at  the  summit  of  the  lofty  tower,  in  the  dock- 
yard at  Portsmouth,  on  Friday,  June  24th  last ;  and  who 
then  had  the  unexpected  honour  of  lending  your  Majesty 
the  telescope  with  which  your  Majesty  surveyed  the  sur- 
rounding prospect.  The  kind  and  condescending  manner 
in  which  your  Majesty  was  pleased  to  notice  an  English 
stranger  on  that  occasion,  is  recollected  with  the  sincerest 
satisfaction  and  gratitude,  whilst  I  now  present  this  volume 
to  your  Majesty's  notice. 

"  Your  Majesty  will  be  pleased  to  allow  me,  as  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  to  conclude  by  praying  Almighty  God,  that 
His  grace,  peace,  and  mercy,  may  be  abundantly  poured 
down  upon  your  Majesty,  and  upon  the  people  of  your  ex- 
tensive dominions,  over  whom  He  has  given  you  the  earthly 
sovereignty  ! 

"  May  the  Gospel  of  the  blessed  Jesus  prosper  among 
the  subjects  of  all  the  Russias  ;  and  that  it  may  be  your 
Majesty's  chief  crown  of  rejoicing,  in  the  great  day  of  his 
appearance,  is  the  supplication  of 
"  Your  Imperial  Majesty's 

Most  obedient  and  unworthy  servant, 
"L.  R." 

The  following  reply  was  received  by  Mr.  Richmond, 
Irom  his  Imperial  Majesty,  accompanied  with  a  ring  of  con- 
siderable value. — 

"  Reverend  Sir, 

*•  The  copy  of  your  book,  entitled  *  Annals  of  the 
Poor'  was,  according  to  your  desire,  presented  to  his  Im- 
perial Majesty  the  Emperor  Alexander,  by  me,  together 
with  your  letter ;  and  accepted  by  his  Majesty,  with  the 
greatest  satisfaction.  The  object  of  this  volume,  the  pro- 
motion of  Christian  charity  and  truly  religious  sentiments, 
renders  it  most  interesting  and  valuable  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Emperor,  who  desires  nothing  so  much  as  to  see  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  more  and 
more  universal  in  his  dommions,  and  in  the  whole  world. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  195 

•'  On  this  occasion,  his  Imperial  Majesty  recollected  also 
having  made  your  acquaintance  in  Portsmouth,  under  the 
circumstances  you  describe  in  your  letter. 

"  In  consequence  of  all  this,  his  Majesty  ordered  me  to 
deposit  your  book  in  the  library  of  the  Imperial  Humane 
Society,  and  to  send  the  ring  which  accompanies  this  letter, 
as  a  mark  of  his  true  esteem  for  you,  and  high  approbation 
of  your  work. 

"  It  is  very  agreeable  to  me,  in  thus  fulfilling  the  order  of 
my  sovereign,  to  assure  you  of  the  sincere  esteem  with 
which  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Prince  Alexander  Galitzin. 

«  St.  Petersburg^  \4th  January,  1817." 

Mr.  Richmond  also  presented  a  copy  of  his  *  Young 
Cottager'  to  Princess  Sophia  Metstchersky,  who  first  trans- 
lated the  tract  of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter  into  the  Russian 
language,  and  he  received  from  her  Highness  the  follow- 
ing answer.  This  noble  lady's  time  and  influence  are  con- 
secrated to  the  cause  of  riligion.  and  many  instances  are 
recorded  of  her  usefulness.  May  her  distinguished  ex- 
ample inspire  a  like  zeal  in  others  of  the  same  rank  ;  and 
may  the  time  soon  arrive,  when  the  crown  and  the  coronet 
shall  universally  be  laid  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  of  the  Ra- 
ti eemer  ! 

"  Reverend  Sir, 

'« I  have  been  hesitating  for  some  days  if  I  should  stop 
to  answer  you  till  Mr.  Pinkerton  would  be  here,  in  hope 
that  he  would  help  me  to  express  my  gratitude  for  your 
kind  letter  and  valuable  present,  in  proper  time  ;  but  1 
am  afraid  it  will  be  too  long,  and  you  will  perhaps  suppose 
me  indifferent  and  ungrateful,  so  1  venture  to  send  you  my 
bad  t^nglish  without  correction. 

*'  Remember,  dear  sir,  that  I  am  but  a  scholar  ;  a  very 
new  one,  and  quite  unfit  to  correspond  with  such  a  man  as 
you  ;  though  my  soul  Is  capable  of  loving  you  as  a  brother 


196  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

and  friend  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  of  admiring  you  as  a  chosen 
servant  of  his,  a  vessel  unto  honour,  sanctified  and  meet 
for  the  Master's  use,  and  for  the  edification  and  comfort 
of  his  children.  Yes,  sir,  I  hope  I  am  united  to  you  in  one 
body  and  soul,  which  is  Christ  Jesus  the  Saviour  ;  and  I  say, 
with  *  Little  Jane,'  that  I  am  happy  to  be  even  the  small- 
est and  lowest  of  all  his  members.  How  much  I  delighted 
in  reading  this  narrative  ;  how  wonderful  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  !  how  happy  the  country  where  children  are  brought 
up  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  taught  so  young  to  love  and 
serve  the  Saviour !  what  an  eminent  Christian — so  young 
a  child  !  But  this  is  neither  to  be  taught  nor  learnt.  He 
alone  can  give  it,  who  is  love  itself,  and  who  purchased  us 
to  himself  by  shedding  his  precious  blood  for  us.  Oh,  sir  ! 
you  do  not  know,  perhaps  to  what  an  unworthy  bein?^  you 
wrote.  I  have  passed  all  my  life  in  the  ignorance  of  Him 
who  died  for  me,  without  love  to  Him  who  loved  me  first, 
and  sought  me  out,  when  I  hastened  to  my  ruin  in  a  life  of 
enmity  to  my  God.  He  sought  me  out,  and  mercifully 
sent  His  servant  Pinkerton  to  open  my  eyes  and  ray  ears 
by  the  [)ower  of  his  Avord,  so  that  I  plainly  see  now  what  a 
sinful,  wicked  creature  1  am  :  what  a  gracious  merciful 
God  to  offend  1  and  how  kind,  and  always  ready  and 
willing  to  receive  us,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  is,  and  al- 
ways will  be !  How  good  He  was  to  me,  sending  such  a 
meek,  patient  loving  soul,  as  the  worthy  Mr.  Pinkerton 
proved  to  be  during  his  hving  in  my  family.  What  a  life 
of  disgust  it  must  have  been  to  a  man  of  his  distinguished 
merit,  to  bear  with  the  caprices  and  wickedness  of  a  spoil- 
ed, ignorant,  and  proud  woman  : — but  charity  seeketh  not 
her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  beareth  all  things  ;  hopeth 
all  things  ;  endureth  all  things  :  charity  never  faileth  :  I 
have  had  an  evident  proof  of  it  in  my  dear  friend  and  in- 
structor. But  I  must  stop,  and  ask  to  be  forgiven  for 
having  written  so  much  ;  my  heart  opens  at  the  voice  of 
a  friend,  and  then  I  speak  out  of  the  fulness  of  it.  Excuse 
me,  then,  sir,  for  intruding  so  much  upon  your  time.  Pray 
for  me,  that  1  may  come  in  faith  and  grace  to  the  happy 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  197 

day,  in  which  I  shall  be  enabled  to  join  with  you  in  joy- 
M  hallelujahs  and  eternal  praises  of  our  heavenly  Father 
and  divine  Saviour.  Oh,  may  his  peace  always  be  with 
you  !  Receive  with  indulgence,  dear  sir,  my  hearty  thanks, 
and  in  the  assurance  of  the  sincere  esteem  and  high  regard 
with  which'  I  am 

**  Your  much  obliged  and  obedient, 

P.  Sophia  Metstchersky.^' 

The  two  letters  to  Mrs.  Livius^  which  are  next  inserted, 
were  written  about  this  period,  and  the  editor  cannot  recur 
to  them  without  feelings  of  the  liveliest  emotion.  The 
first  alludes  to  the  death  of  one  who  ended  a  life  of  uniforrn 
pain  and  sickness,  by  a  death  cheered  with  the  hope  of  a 
joyful  immortality.  The  person  adverted  to  in  the  second 
letter,  the  late  G.  Livius,  Esq.,  is  endeared  by  recollec- 
tions which  time  cannot  impair — which  live  not  only  in  the 
memory,  but  in  the  heart.  He  once  knew  the  world,  but 
had  long  left  it  in  pursuit  of  a  better  portion.  He  was  the 
well-known  Gaius  of  the  county  where  he  lived — the  lover 
of  good  men,  of  whatever  name  or  title  :  he  was  purified  in 
the  furnace  of  affliction  ;  but  his  trials  are  now  terminated^ 
and  his  sun  shines  bright  and  unclouded  through  an  endless 
eternity. 

"  My  dear  Madam, 

"  Allow  roe  once  more  to  express  the  friendly  solici- 
tude which  I  feel  for  you  and  my  honoured  friend  Mr. 
Livius,  under  your  recent  and  present  trial.  His  strength 
and  spirits  would  not  admit  of  my  saying  all  which  my  heart 
dictated,  when  I  saw  him  yesterday.  I  wish  him  to  know 
how  much  I  have  valued  his  friendship,  and  how  grateful  I 
feel  for  a  series  of  hospitality  and  kindness  of  no  ordinary 
character,  for  a  period  of  now  near  eleven  years.  I  wish 
him  to  know  that  I  have  ever  been  a  sympathising  observer 
of  his  bodily  and  mental  anxieties,  and  have  entertained  a 
cordial  esteem  and  regard  for  his  many  amiable  and  excel- 
lent qualities  of  head  and  heart. 


lyS  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

"  The  confidential  intercourse  witR  which  at  various  pe- 
riods he  has  been  pleased  to  favour  me,  cannot  be  obhtera- 
ted  from  my  recollection  nor  effaced  from  my  affections. 
It  is  my  heart's  prayer  that  his  consolations  may  be  ♦  neither 
few  nor  small ;'  that  the  peace  of  God  may  be  his  resting- 
pillow,  and  that  God  will  '  make  his  bed  in  all  his  sickness.' 
Not  one  affliction  has  ever  befallen  him  beyond  what  his 
heavenly  Father  designed  for  his  present  and  eternal  good. 
Wisdom,  mercy,  power  and  faithfulness,  have  guided  all. 
May  each  of  his  children  be  blessed  with  a  heart  taught  by 
the  same  spirit  who  hath  taught  him  and  you  to  look  to  the 
Strong  One  for  help  ;  and  may  they  be  effectually  preserved 
from  the  snares  and  delusions  of  this  present  evil  world. 

"  May  you,  my  dear  friend,  be  upheld  by  a  Saviour's 
power  and  love,  to  fulfil  every  arduous  task  which  his  wis- 
dom assigns  you.  Forgive  this  intrusion,  solely  prompted 
by  grateful  friendship.  Accept  our  united  assurances  of 
love  for  you  and  yours, 

"  And  believe  me  most  sincerely  yours. 

In  the  bonds  of  strong  regard, 

Legu  Richmond," 

"  My  very  dear  Friend, 

"  It  is  fit  that  the  same  moment  which  brings  me  the 
long-expected,  yet  afflicting  tidings  of  my  much-loved 
friend's  departure  from  this  vale  of  tears,  should  dictate  a 
few  •sympathetic  lines  to  his  dear  relict.  Your  mind  has 
long  waited  this  event  with  Christian  resignation-  May 
the  Spirit  of  power  and  peace  bless  bis  own  preparation , 
now  that  the  hour  of  trial  has  arrived  !  You  have  the 
prayers  of  many  friends,  to  mingle  with  your  own.  These, 
in  God's  sight,  are  riches.  May  you  enjoy  them  spiritu- 
ally and  eternally  !  *  Tribulation  worketh  patience  ;  pa- 
tience, experience  ;  experience,  hope  ;'  hope  thou  therefore 
in  God.  Time  is  swiftly  passing  away,  and  its  stream  is 
gradually  absorbed  in  eternity  Our  years  roll  on,  and  we 
shall  soon  be  there  ;.  and  there  we  shall  meet  those  who 
have  loved  Christ,  and  loved  us^    There,  dear  madam,  in 


REV.    LEOH    RICHMOND.  199 

the  bosom  of  your  Saviour  and  God,  you  shall  meet  your 
dear  husband.  Till  then,  may  faith,  hope,  peace,  tranquil- 
lity and  love,  gild  your  horizon,  hke  resplendent  clouds 
round  the  setting  sun,  prophetic  of  a  bright  approaching 
morning.  Christ  has  bequeathed  his  peace  to  you  ;  take 
it  as  his  legacy,  and  use  it  to  his  glory.  Mrs.  Richmond 
unites  in  affectionate  regards  to  you  and  all  yours,  under 
this  present  trial,  with 

«  Your  affectionate  friend, 

Legh  Richmond." 

We  close  the  chapter  with  a  pleasing  Uttle  poem,  written 
about  this  time. 


A  WIDOWED  MOTHER'S  ADDRESS  TO  HER  DAUGH- 
TER, ON  THE  DAY  OF  HER  MARRIAGE. 

Say,  why  should  my  bosom  thus  heave  with  a  sigh, 
And  the  tear  of  affection  now  start  from  my  eye  ? 
Forgive  me,  my  child,  whom  my  soul  holds  so  dear — 
You've  a  smile  from  my  heart,  though  my  eye  drops  a  tear  ! 

This  sigh  is  the  tribute  of  teaderest  love, 

And  I  trust  shnll  be  heard  in  the  mansions  above ; 

For  it  breathes  a  warm  prayer  to  the  Bridegroom  of  heaven,. 

That  to  tkee,  now  a  bride,  bis  best  blessing  be  given. 

May  He  weave  thee  a  garland  on  this  nuptial  morn. 
With  the  roses  of  Sharon  thy  brows  to  adorn  ; 
With  the  ring  of  his  love,  may  he  claim  thee  for  his, 
And  pronounce  thee  "joint  heir"  of  his  heavenly  bliss. 

May  his  true  wedding-robe,  which  he  purchased  with  blood,. 
Be  thy  portion,,  my  daughter,  by  Jesus  bestowe'd  ; 
By  his  grace  freely  pardoned,  and  cleansed  from  all  sin, 
Be  thou  spotless  without,  and  all  glorious  within. 

May  my  child  and  her  partner,  in  hely  connexion, 
lie  united,  through  grace,  by  true  Christian  affection  ; 
May  the  wife  prove  a  sister,  the  husband  a  brother, 
And  each  fiaU  a  help  in  the  faith  of  the  other. 


200  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Thus  thy  marriage  on  earth  a  sweet  emblem  shall  be. 
Of  a  far  brighter  union  provided  for  thee  ; 
And  then,  the  few  days  of  thy  pilgrimage  past, 
Thy  Saviour  will  own  thee  his  spouse  at  the  last. 

Peace  be  with  you,  my  children  !     I  speak  without  guile  ; 
I  began  with  a  tear,  but  I  end  with  a  smile ; 
'Tis  my  hope  that  your  happiness  nothing  shall  cloy, 
And  the  heart  of  the  widow  shall  sing  with  new  joy  ! 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Letters, — Poetry, — Description  of  Lake  scenery, — Brief 
account  of  his  first  tour  to  Scotland, — His  sentiments  on 
Oratorios. 

It  was  usual  with  Mr.  Richmond  to  mark  with  peculiar 
solemnity  the  birth-days  of  himself  and  all  his  family. 
These  he  kept  as  a  kind  of  religious  festival — writing  letters 
to  the  different  members  of  his  family,  and  preaching  to  his 
parishioners  on  an  appropriate  subject.  The  following 
letter  he  wrote  to  bis  mother,  on  one  of  these  occasions : — 

"  My  dearest  Mother, 

"  The  return  of  this  day  demands  a  return  of  affec- 
tionate regards  to  God,  the  author  of  my  being,  and  to  you, 
the  instrument  employed  by  him  to  convey  hfe  and  exis- 
tence to  my  unworthy  self.  Often  do  I  reflect  with  love 
and  gratitude  on  your  kmdness  and  watchful  care  over  me,^ 
from  infancy  to  the  present  moment.  Your  qualities  of 
heart  and  head  cannot  be  forgotten,  any  more  than  the 
name  of  parent — a  title  consecrated  by  every  principle, 
divine  and  human.  This  being  my  birth-day,  I  propose  to 
preach  on  Psalm  cxxxix.  verses  14  to  18.  How  suitable 
for  such  a  meditation !     What  a  miracle  is  the  life  of  man^ 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOITD.  ^01 

viewed  naturally,  spiritually,  and  eternally  !  How  incom- 
prehensible, from  fii-st  to  last !  from  conception  to  the  cra- 
dle— from  the  cradle  to  the  grave — from  the  grave  to  the 
resurrection — from  the  resurrection  tlirough  eternity ! 
Then  to  consider  the  endless  variety  of  frames,  providences 
events,  souls,  bodies,  and  spirits  !  Sometimes  when  I  me- 
ditate on  futurity,  I  am  lost  in  inexplicable  thought :  I  then 
see  the  importance  of  the  mind's  retiring  into  the  consola- 
tions of  the  past  and  the  present,  as  they  arise  from  the  re- 
vealed plan  of  salvation  ;  and  through  that  medium,  even 
eternity  assumes  a  solid  and  hopeful  aspect. 

"  If  ever  1  felt  it  more  than  ordinarily  due  to  a  valued 
parent  to  express  my  gratitude,  it  is  at  a  time  when  she 
has  so  kindly  and  so  considerately  met  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  difficulty,  in  which  a  variety  of  events  have  con- 
spired to  place  me.  Between  my  last  and  present  birth- 
day, many  sorrows,  many  shocks  to  feeling,  many  heavy 
expenses  have  occurred  ;  my  heart  has  been  tried  to  the 
utmost :  but  your  atfectionate,  unupbraiding,  antf  liberal 
conduct,  has  proved  a  great  cordial  to  me  and  my  dear 
M'ife,  in  all  our  trials." 

The  following  letter  will  introduce  to  the  reader  a  son  of 
Mr.  Richmond's,  of  whom  we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak 
towards  the  close  of  this  Memoir.  The  name,  as  has 
been  before  observed,  was  given  to  commemorate  that  re- 
markable event  in  his  own  life,  arising  from  the  perusal  of 
Mr.  Wilberforce's  work  on  Practical  Christianity.  This 
boy  was  now  in  his  twelfth  year  ;  and  we  principally  insert 
this  letter  to  show  the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Richmond 
addressed  bis  children  at  an  early  age. 

"  My  dear  Wilberforce, 

"  Shall  I  have  no  cause  for  heart-ache  at  my  return^ 
when  I  inquire  how  my  child  has  behaved  ?  how  he  has 
attended  to  his  learning  ?  how  he  has  adhered  to  truth  in 
bis  words  ?  Shall  I  be  comforted  with  the  glad  tidings 
that  your  heart,  and  your  conscience,  and  your  ways,  all 
seem  to  partake  of  a  happy  influence  ?     That  you  show 


'202  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

your  love  to  mamma  by  keeping  her  commandments  ?  Thaf 
you  pray  to  God  to  forgive  you  your  sins,  and  hourly 
offences  ?  Do  the  four  walls  of  your  little  chamber  bear 
witness  to  your  prayers  and  supplications  for  yourself  and 
me  ?  Do  the  sun's  rays,  as  they  early  penetrate  your  win- 
dow in  the  morning,  find  you  early  and  active  to  rise,  to 
read,  to  labour,  and  to  grow  in  grace  ? 

"  I  saw  Litchfield  cathedral,  and  attended  divine  service 
there.  It  is  a  much  smaller  one  than  York,  but  has  great 
beauty  ;  the  organ  notes  rolled  sublimely  through  the 
vaults,  arches,  pillars,  and  roof;  and  the  exquisitely  paint- 
ed windows  assimilated  with  such  sounds,  and  rendered  the 
effect  very  fine.      It  has  three  beautiful  spires. 

"  One  evening  I  travelled  with  a  friend  for  three  hours, 
amidst  the  most  beautiful  and  never-ceasing  distant  light- 
ning ;  the  whole  western  hemisphere  was  in  a  constant 
blaze  ;  the  flashes  alternated  from  one  point  of  the  horizon 
to  another,  distant  about  forty-five  degrees  from  it  ;  some- 
times thf  flashes  were  silvery,  sometimes  yellow,  sometimes 
orange  ;  sometimes  forked,  sometimes  sheet-like  ;  some- 
times so  vivid,  you  seemed  to  have  a  peep  into  more  dis- 
tant regions  of  space  ;  sometimes  more  faint ;  now  and 
then  yow  heard  slight  rumblings,  then  all  was  silent.  At 
one  point  the  flashes  gleamed  upon  a  distant  view  of  a  cas- 
tle, which  seemed  all  on  fire,  and  was  only  rendered  visi- 
ble by  the  effect  of  the  hghtnirig  A  dark  forest  lay  behind, 
and  formed  a  fine  contrast.  Sometimes  the  forked  flashes 
hurried  one  another  in  a  kind  of  playful  progress ;  at 
others  they  dashed  together  as  if  in  terrible  combat ;  all 
this  passed  between  seven  and  ten  o'clock,  on  the  evening 
of  June  28th.  But  what  are  these  lightnings,  compared 
with  those  which  made  Moses  quake  and  tremble  at  Mount 
Sinai  ?  or  what  were  even  the  latter,  when  contrasted  witli 
Miose  of  God's  wrath  against  sinners  ?  Thunder  and 
lightning  is  a  fine  emblem  of  Divine  justice  and  threaten- 
ings.  You  have  need  to  '  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.' 
'  Repent,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.'  *  The 
wicked,  and  all  the  people  that  forget  God,  shall  be  turned 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  203 

into  hell.'  Do  you  forget  him  ?  if  so,  what  shall  be  your 
portion  ?  If  you  say  you  do  not  forget  Him,  how  do  you 
Jirove  it  ? — 


I  see  and  approve  the  better, 


But  follow  the  worse,* 

is  the  character  of  too  many  nominal  Christians ;  I  would 
not  have  it  to  be  yours.  An  enlightened,  but  unconverted 
mind,  has  eyes  and  tongue  to  approve  what  is  right ;  but 
the  feet  follow  the  paths  of  evil.  A  converted  heart  alone 
walks  in  the  steps  of  Him  who  is  *  the  way,  the  truth,  and 
the  life.'     Say— 

"  To  me,  O  Lord,  be  thou  '  the  way,' 

To  me,  be  thou  '  the  truth ;' 

To  me,  my  Saviour,  be  '  the  life,' 

Thou  Guardian  of  my  youth  ! 

"  So  shall  that  '  way'  be  my  delight. 
That  '  truth'  shall  make  me  free ; 
That  '  life'  shall  raise  me  from  the  dead, 
And  then  I'll  live  to  Thee." 

1  sincerely  hope  you  are  beginning  to  be  truly  sensible 
of  the  danger  of  sin,  and  the  necessity  of  seeking  the  Lord 
very  early.  Your  life  is  an  uncertainty,  at  best ;  occa- 
sional indispositions  should  remind  you  that  you  may  never 
arrive  at  man's  estate.  If  you  are  to  die  a  boy,  we  must 
look  for  a  boy's  religion,  a  boy's  knowledge,  a  boy's  faith, 
a  boy's  Saviour — a  boy's  salvation  !  Or  else,  a  boy's  igno- 
rance— a  boy's  obstinacy — a  boy's  unbelief — a  boy's  ido- 
latry— a  boy's  destruction  !  Remember  all  this,  and  be- 
ware of  sin  ;  dread  the  sinfulnefss  of  an  unchanged  heart 
— pray  for  a  new  one  ;  pray  for  grace  and  pardon,  and  a 
soul  conformed  to  the  image  of  Christ  Jesus  ; — pray  for 
wisdom,  for  the  destruction  of  pride,  vain  conceit,  and 
geif-sufficiency.  *  Be  not  slothful  in  business  ;  but  fervent 
ill  epirif,  sening  the  Lord.' 


204  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

**  Friends  here  inquire  after  you  ;  but  it  is  in  the  full 
liope  that  you  go  on  well,  creditably,  obediently,  industr^r 
ously,  humbly,  and  Christianly.     Love  to  all,  from 
"  Your  affectionate  Father, 

L.  R." 

We  here  introduce  a  birthday  hymn,  composed  for  his 
son  Wilberforce. 

*'  My  years  roll  on  in  silent  course, 
Impelled  by  a  resistless  force  : 
Awake,  my  soul !  awake  and  sing, 
How  good  thy  God,  how  great  thy  King ! 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  then  let  me  know 
The  great  design  for  which  they  flow ; — 
And  as  the  ship  floats  o'er  the  wave, 
Thy  vessel,  Lord  !  in  mercy  save. 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  the  tide  of  time 
Bears  me  through  many  a  changing  clime  ; 
I've  summers,  winters — heat  and  cold, — 
Winds,  calms,  and  tempests,  ten  times  told. 

*'  My  years  roll  on  :  but  here's  my  hope, 
And  this  my  everlasting  prop  : 
Though  seasons  change,  and  I  change  too, 
My  God's  the  same — for  ever  true ! 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  and  as  they  roll, 
Oh  !  may  they  waft  my  ransomed  soul 
Safe  through  life's  ocean,  to  yon  shore, 
Where  sins  and  sorrows  grieve  no  more  I 

"  My  years  roll  on  ;  and  with  them  flows 
That  mercy  which  no  limit  knows  : 
'Tis  Mercy's  current  makes  me  glide. 
In  hope  of  safety,  down  the  tide. 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  my  soul  be  still, —  * 

Guided  by  love,  thy  course  fulfil :  -'^ 

And,  my  life''s  anxious  voyage  past. 
My  refuge  be  with  Christ  at  last !" 

"  L.  R." 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  205 

The  birtli  of  another  child  induced  Mr.  Richmond  to  re- 
♦juesl  a  very  endeared  friend,  Mrs.  R.,  formerly  of  Kendal. 
io  stand  as  sponsor.  The  request  was  made  in  the  follow- 
ing letter. 

«  Turvey,Jan.  23,  1818. 

<'  Will  my  dear  friend  Mrs.  R.  allow  me  to  enrol  her 
name  among  the  sponsors  of  my  sweet  little  gift,  at  her 
baptism  ?     It  is  my  wife's  desire,  as  well  as  my  own  :  do 

not  refuse  us.     Dear   Mrs.  F.  of  S Castle,  is  the 

other  godmother.  Join  her  in  this  act  of  charity  and 
friendship,  and  thus  put  a  seal  to  valuable  recollections  of 
Kendal,  Keswick,  &c.  &c.  The  hymn  of  our  last  morn- 
ing, after  breakfast,  still  echoes  a  sweet  farewell  in  my  ear 
and  my  heart. 

«*  My  babe  is  to  be  called  Charlotte  Elizabeth.  Char- 
lotte»  as  a  memorial  of  the  lamented  princess  ;  and  Eliza- 
beth, as  a  memorial  of  *  the  Dairyman's  Daughter.'  A 
palace  and  a  cottage  here  unite  in  my  child's  cradle  :  may 
she  rock  in  peace,  and  ever  be  found  in  the  arms  of  hei- 
Saviour." 

The  following  verses,  composed  by  Mr.  Richmond,  wore 
song  at  the  baptismal  font,  immediately  after  the  service 
wa.s  concluded. 

"  Welcome,  dear  babe,  to  Jesu's  breast, 
For  ever  there  securely  rest ; 
Welcome  to  these  his  courts  below — 
Here  may  our  God  his  grace  bestow. 

**  Lord  sanctify  this  solemn  hour. 
Thy  spirit  on  our  ofispring  pour  I 
Fulfil  thy  promise  to  our  child — 
May  she  in  Christ  be  reconciled  ! 

•'  These  holy  waters  now  proclaim 
Redemption  free  in  Jesu's  name ; 
Each,  sprinkled  drop  becomes  a  seal 
Of  that  salvation  which  we  feel. 

10 


206'  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

•>  Behold  tir  affrighted  infant  weep  r 
Fear  has  disturbed  her  gentle  sleep. 
Weep  not,  dear  babe,  all  others  smile, 
And  love  and  bless  thee  all  the  while. 

"  Grant,  Lord  !  if  spared,  the  time  may  comeT 
When,  summoned  to  her  heavenly  home, 
Though  all  around  her  weep  and  sigh, 
In  smiles  triumphant  she  may  die  ! 

"  Receive  the  helpless  child,  we  pray, 
And  seal  her  to  Redemption's  day  ! 
Mansions  of  bliss  may  she  inherit — 
The  gift  of  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit !" 

With  the  lady  who  stood  sponsor  to  liis  child,  during 
one  of  his  tours  in  the  North,  Mr.  Richmond  visited  the 
lakes  of  Westmoreland.  Among  his  papers,  is  a  very 
])leasing  description  of  the  scenery  of  that  rich  and  roman- 
tic country.  We  extract  the  following  passage,  on  account 
of  its  beauty. 

"  There  are  numberless  changes  of  ejETect  produced  in 
mountain  scenery  by  the  variation  of  sun,  shade,  mist, 
cloud,  the  state  of  vegetation,  character  of  the  atmosphere, 
and  other  causes,  well  known  to  every  one  familiar  with 
such'Scenes  ;  and  they  constitute  no  inconsiderable  source 
of  that  high  gratification  which  the  traveller  experiences  in 
the  study  of  natural  beauties.  The  same  combination  of 
objects,  viewed  under  a  change  of  external  circumstances, 
forms  completely  a  new  scene,  and  possesses  an  appropriate 
charm ;  inasmuch  as  it  is  the  same,  and  yet  different. 
This  consideration  unfolds  an  almost  endless  diversity  of 
effect,  to  be  observed  and  enjoyed  by  the  mind  which  loves 
to  investigate  the  varieties  of  which  such  prospects  are 
susceptible.  This  double  source  of  variety,  sometimes 
occasioned  by  actual  change  of  the  principal  objects  in  the 
landscape,  and  sometimes  only  by  a  change  of  attendant 
circumstances,  affords  strong  evidence  that  the  Creator,  in 
all  his  works,  appears  to  delight  in  sl  profusion  of  that  dis- 
play of  contrivance,  skill,  and  diversity,  which  teaches  the 


REV.  LEQH    RICHMOND.  207 

creature  to  adore  his  attribute  of  Omnipotence.  But  it 
does  more  :  it  leads  to  the  contemplation  of  that  which  de- 
clares, that  '  God  ia  here !'  The  dehght  with  which  a 
Christian  traces  the  finger  of  God,  in  the  midst  of  a  fine 
prospect,  does  not  merely  arise  from  the  admiration  of  di- 
vine power  and  contrivance  ;  nor  from  his  own  quick  sense 
of  beautiful  and  sublime  imagery  ;  nor  from  his  deduction 
of  cause  and  effect,  which  natural  philosophy  traces  in  the 
history  of  earth,  air,  fire-  and  water.  He  sees  all  this,  it  is 
true,  and  honours  God  in  it.  But  he  also  sees,  that  in  the 
whole  of  this  complexity  of  wonders,  this  harmony  of  crea- 
ted existence,  tliere  is  a  purpose  of  benevolence.  The 
diversified  joys  of  the  landscape  all  concentrate  in  the  joy 
of  devotion.  It  is  the  love  of  God  to  man,  which  fills  tho 
scenery  with  beauty  and  delight ;  it  is  the  love  of  God, 
which  adapts  the  mind  of  man  to  this  peculiar  capacity  of 
intellectual  enjoyment.  Whether  the  Christian's  survey  of 
nature  partakes  of  the  skill  of  the  artist,  the  energy  of  the 
poet,  the  science  of  the  philosopher — let  his  enjoyment 
arise  from  any  or  from  all  of  these  sources, — this  is  the 
crowning  consideration,  that  tlvese  delights  arc  given  him  of 
Godi  and  afe  an  evidence  of  God's  love  to  him  This  leads 
him  to  reflect  on  his  own  character  as  a  fallen  sinner,  yet 
still  the  object  of  such  incomprehensible  mercy. 

'*  Under  the  impression  of  all  these  powerful  emotions^, 
he  bursts  forth  into  the  pious  reflection — *  What  is  man^ 
O  Lord,  that  thou  art  thus  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of 
man,  that  thou  so  regardest  him  !'  Nor  can  he  refrain 
from  exclaiming — *  O  Lord,  our  God,  how  excellent  is  thy 
name  in  all  the  earth  !'  " 

We  subjoin  another  reflection,  as  he  surveyed  the  beau- 
tiful lake  of  Windermere,  above  the  town  of  Bowness, 
where  it  first  breaks  upon  the  sight. 

"  Was  Paradise  more  enchanting  than  this  ?  Did  thq 
Lord  put  our  first  parents  into  a  garden  more  exquisitely 
beautiful  than  that  before  me  ?  Could  the  river,  which 
watered  the  plains  and  valleys  of  Eden — could  the  ground, 
out  of  which  grew  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight 


208  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

and  good  for  food,  present  a  more  lovely  sight  than  this  ^ 
That  Paradise  is  vanished  from  moital  sight  and  posses- 
sion ;  but  through  the  Redeemer,  a  brighter  and  immortal 
Paradise  is  regained  ;  and  the  believer  may  see  it  emble- 
matically and  substantially  represented  to  him,  in  his  spi- 
ritual enjoyment  of  such  an  earthly  Paradise  as  the  vale 
and  mountains  of  Windermere  " 

As  he  passes  through  the  church-yard  of  Bowness,  to- 
wards the  Lake>  he  remarks  :— 

"  A  country  church-yard  is  ever  an  interesting  object ,: 
but  in  such  a  situation  as  this,  many  new  ideas  are  excited.* 
which  add  greatly  to  contemplative  affections.  On  enter- 
ing it,  I  was  immediately  struck  by  seeing  a  newly-erected 
tomb-stone,  at  the  east  end  of  the  church  yard,  on  which  is 
inscribed  the  name  of  Richard  Watson,  late  Bishop  of 
Llandaff,  who  passed  a  large  portion  of  the  latter  part  of 
his  life  at  a  beautiful  mansion  on  the  banks  of  W^inder- 
mere:  he  died  aged  81.  It  was  nearly  this  Tery  day 
twelvemonths,  on  which  I  was  favoured  by  a  conversatioR 
-with  him,  as  he  sat  in  his  carriage,  at  Ambleside." 

Mr.  Richmond,  having  received  frequent  invitations  t® 
visit  Scotland,  and  being  no  less  desirous  himself  of  culti- 
vating a  personal  intercourse  with  many  valuable  charac- 
•ters  in  that  country,  was  induced,  in  the  year  1818,  t© 
fulfil  his  long  meditated  project.  The  introduction  of  the 
Jewish  subject  afforded  a  favourable  opportunity  ;  though 
it  was  to  be  expected  that  the  sphere  of  exertion  would  be 
somewhat  contracted  to  an  Episcopalian  pleader  of  thai 
cause.  We  are  in  possession  of  very  few  notices  of  this 
first  journey,  beyond  the  accompanying  letters  ;  but  we 
are  furnished  with  more  ample  materials  respecting  a  visit 
.paid  in  1820,  to  whicli  we  shall,  in  due  time,  direct  the  at- 
tention of  the  reader. 

•«  My  dear  Mary, 

"  The  respect,  regard,  friendship,  and  affection,  with 
which  both  mvself  and  mv  cause  are  received,  in  every 


REV.  LEGU    RICHJtOND,  !209 

place,  by  the  religious  people  in  Scotland,  constitute  a  fea- 
ture in  my  life  never  to  be  forgotten.  My  whole  mind  is 
deeply  busied  in  meditations  upon  the  goodness  and  love  of 
God.  I  can  hardly  expect  to  interest  your  mind  in  all  the 
minutuB  of  my  hourly  intercourse  ;  but  1  believe  your  eyes 
would  be  often  filled  with  tears  of  gratitude,  if  you  saw  and 
heard  all  which  I  see  and  hear. 

"  Delicate  and  difficult  as  the  task  is  which  I  have  to  per- 
form as  an  Episcopal  missionary  in  this  Presbyterian  land, 
I  seem  to  have  succeeded  beyond  hope  ;  and  I  am  laying 
the  first  foundation  of  a  building,  in  which,  if  Providence 
permit  and  spare  me,  I  shall  hereafter  feel  much  interested, 
and  tlie  cause  of  God,  I  trust,  be  eftectually  promoted. 
But  think  not,  my  loved  Mary,  that  amidst  the  bustle  of 
missionary  arrangements,  conversations,  speeches  and  ser- 
mons ;  nor  amidst  the  wonders  and  beauties  of  mountains, 
lakes,  cascades,  rocks,  glens,  plains,  rivers,  trosacks,  and 
woods,  I  forget  my  dear,  dear  domestic  circle  at  home. 
You  are  all  unceasingly  before  my  eyes  ;  and  the  family 
group  mingles  with  every  scene  I  behold  and  every  under- 
taking wherein  I  am  concerned  ;  and  often  I  see  ray  dear 
wife  anxiously  and  diligently  pursuing  the  duties  of  her 
station, — smiling  on  the  babe,  or  listening  to  the  juvenile 
tales  which  a  Catharine  or  a  Legh  may  be  able  to  read  or 
to  spell ;  or,  taking  your  walk,  during  this  beautiful  wea^ 
ther,  in  the  fields.  Or,  I  see  you  on  your  knees,  praying 
for  grace  to  enable  you  to  act  with  judgment  in  all  things  ; 
and  supplicating  mercies  on  your  husband,  as  he  journeys 
by  land  or  by  water.  Our  i)rayer8  meet.  What  a  favour, 
to  enjoy  healtii,  safety,  and  comfort,  in  all  my  wanderings ; 
to  be  permitted  to  see  the  cause  of  God  flourishing  in  a 
foreign  land,  or  rather,  in  so  distant  a  part  of  our  own  !" 

''  My  dear  Boy, 

"  Were  1  to  attempt  to  describe  the  beauties  of  the 
Highlands  of  Scotland  to  you,  I  should  be  much  at  a  loss. 
Whether  my  subject  were  the  grand  mountains,  with  snow 
i>tili  on  their  tops ;  or  the  magnificent  water-falls,  amidst 

10* 


r^lO  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

rocks,  and  glens,  and  woods  ;  or  the  noble  rivers  and  ro- 
mantic brooks,  winding  through  fruitful  plains  or  hills  ;  or 
the  fine  lakes,  expanding  their  bosoms  to  the  clouds,  which 
they  reflect  from  their  surfaces  ;  whether  I  were  to  write 
from  the  splendid  mansion  and  grounds  of  a  Highland 
chief;  or  the  lowly,  smoke-dried  cottage  of  a  Highland 
peasant ;  whether  the  ruined  caslle  or  abbey,  or  the  neat 
modern  parish  church,  were  the  subject  of  my  description, 
I  could  say  much,  yet  not  enough.  Here  I  am,  amidst  the 
unexampled  and  wild  beauties  of  the  Trosacks,  on  the 
banks  of  Loch  Katrine  !  There  is  the  glen,  down  whicli 
Fitz-James  hurried  from  the  mountains,  when  he  lost  his 
way :  there  is  the  island  of  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  from 
whence  she  put  forth  her  little  skiff,  at  the  sound  of  the 
echoing  horn.  There  is  the  great  mountain  of  Benvenu, 
springing  up  from  the  lake  to  the  clouds  :  there  is  his 
brother  Benan,  with  Benean,  and  Benhaum,  and  Benledi, 
and  Benvoirlich,  and  Beneen,  and  many  more  lofty  beins 
(mountains,)  surrounding  this  most  lovely  lake.  Here  is 
the  GobUn's  Hole  ;  and  there  the  spot  where  the  last  of 
the  couriers  of  Roderic  Dhu  was  slain.  In  it  all,  sublimity 
reigns ;  and,  above  all,  God  reigns  in  it  also." 


"  My  dear  F , 

"  I  was  unspeakably  gratified  at  Newcastle,  in  seeing 
two  little  girls,  one  of  ten,  the  other  of  twelve,  the  spiritual 
fruits  of  my  '  Young  Cottager  ;'  the  latter  of  the  two  I  had 
not  seen  before.  I  never  before,  except  in  the  case  of 
'little  Jane,'  herself,  saw  so  clear  and  so  early  an  instance 
of  decided  grace,  and  of  a  truly  enlightened  mind  ;  you 
would  have  thought  her  conversation  equal  to  eighteen,  at 
least.  I  apprehend,  that  I  have  become  acquainted  with 
above  thirty  cases  of  decided  usefulness  in  youth,  from 
that  tract,  since  I  came  into  the  North.  Oh !  what  a 
mercy  !  In  this,  '  goodness  indeed  follows  me.'  My  mo- 
ther is  very  comfortable, — looks  more  aged,  but  not  ill. 

''  My  visit  to  Scotland  has  been  marked  by  more  affec- 
tion and  usefulness  than  any  one  I  ever  made  :  numerous 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  211 

public  and  'private  occurrences  overwhelm  me  with  grati- 
tude. The  Scottish  scenery  is  of  the  very  first  class. 
Whatever  is  beautiful,  whatever  is  grand,  whatever  is  wild 
and  romantic — all  are  to  be  found  in  almost  unlimited  va- 
riety of  display.  Noble  rivers,  lakes,  and  water-falls,  pic- 
turesque hills  and  mountains,  lovely  land  and  sea  views, 
tine  towns  and  buildings — ail  speaking  the  goodness,  power, 
and  wis<lom  of  God  !  The  marks  of  affection,  regard, 
and  esteem,  with  which  I  was  received,  far  exceed  what  I 
haTC  ever  witnessed  ;  and,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  much 
actual  good  has  been  done  to  many  individuals,  while  I  was 
there." 

The  follow  ing  letters  express  his  sentiments  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Oratorios,  on  which  he  seems  to  have  held  a  most 
decided  opinion.  No  man  was  ever  more  truly  fond  of 
music  than  himself,  and  especially  in  its  application  to  de- 
votional purposes.  Such  is  the  professed  object  of  Orato- 
rios ;  and  the  sublime  compositions  of  those  great  masters 
in  this  science,  Handel  and  Haydn,  certainly  carry  its 
powers  to  almost  the  highest  degree  of  perfection.  The 
principle  then,  itself,  in  its  pure  and  legitimate  application, 
must  ever  be  considered  as  subservient  to  the  interests  of 
piety.  It  is,  therefore,  the  abuse  of  this  principle,  and  the 
mode  in  which  Oratoiios  are  generally  conducted,  that  ex- 
cited the  apprehensions  of  Mr.  Richmond,  as  to  their  pos- 
sible influence  on  his  own  children.  The  worldly  associa- 
tions connected  with  what  is  otherwise  a  source  of  high 
gratification  to  a  scientific  and  devotional  mind,  constituted, 
in  his  estimation,  an  insuperable  objection  to  these  festivals. 
As  a  difference  of  opinion  is  known  to  exist  in  the  religious 
world  on  this  subject,  we  feel  happy  in  exhibiting  Mr. 
Richmond's  sentiments,  in  the  following  letter  to  his  wife. 

"  My  very  dear  Mary, 

"  The  approaching  grand  musical  festival,  to  be  held 
at  Edinburgh,  about  the  same  week  with  that  at  North- 
ampton, occasions  almost  daily  discussion  in  every  party 


!212  MEMOIRS    OF    TUE 

where  we  are  visiting  ;  and  there  is  but  one  feeling  among 
all  our  Christian  friends — that  no  serious  and  consistent 
Christian  will  go.  Mary,  of  course,  hears  nothing  from 
either  her  father's  lips,  or  from  those  of  all  his  estimable 
friends  on  this  side  of  the  Tweed,  but  determined  objections 
to  the  whole  plan,  its  accompaniments,  its  gayety,  its  dissi- 
pation, its  ensnaring  character,  and  its  inconsistency  with 
every  principle  of  nonconformity  to  the  world.  Neither 
she  nor  I  could  appear  again  in  Scotland,  in  a  rehgious, 
and  much  less  a  missionary  character,  if  we  were  to  be 
present  at  these  amusements.  How,  then,  can  I  do  other- 
wise, which  from  my  heart  I  sincerely,  seriously,  and  deli- 
berately must,  than  condemn  the  same  thing,  as  it  concerns 

dear  F . 

"  I  have  never  had  but  one  opinion  on  the  subject  of 
these  prostitutions  of  religion  and  music,  at  these  theatri- 
cal, and,  as  I  think,  unwarrantable  medleys.  I  wish  you 
had  the  good  sentiments  of  dear  John  Newton,  on  the  pub- 
lic Oratorio  of  the  '  Messiah,'  at  hand.  I  deeply  lament 
that  any  who,  in  other  respects,  so  justly  deserve  the  name 
of  consistent  Christians,  should  so  little  fathom  the  corrup- 
tions of  their  own  hearts,  and  be  so  insensible  to  the  dan- 
gerous tendency  of  public  amusements  which  unite  all  the 
levity  of  the  world  with  the  professed  sanctity  of  religious 
performances.  Think  not  that  I  blame  any  one  but  myself, 
for  not  long  since  making  my  sentiments  on  this  ensnaring 
subject  better  known  to  those  so  near  and  dear  to  me.  It 
is  somewhat  singular,  that  I  should,  with  many  Christian 
friends  of  all  ranks  in  Edinburgh  and  Scotland,  be  making 
a  firm  stand  against  the  principle  and  the  practice  of  a  mu 
sical  festival  held  here,  at  the  very  lime  that  1  must  also 
make  as  firm  a  stand  against  the  same  thing  in  the  South 
It  is  contrary  to  every  feehng  I  can  entertain  on  the  subject. 
We  have  forsworn  all  these  things  on  principle  ;  and  what 
is  religious  character  and  credit  worth,  if  consistency  is  to 
be  sacrificed  ?  Numerous  as  my  faults  and  errors  may  be, 
I  hope  to  be  preserved  from  ever  deliberately  consenting 
that  my  children,  of  whatever  age,  should  enter  into  socie 


REV.  LEGH    Rl(-HiIO\D.  2VS 

ties,  intimacies,  or  what  I  deem  forbidden  amusements,  so 
as  to  wound  ray  conscience 

'•  I  write  with  the  most  affectionate  feelings  of  a  husband, 
a  father,  and  a  Christian  ;  and  at  this  distance,  we  must  not 
encounter  the  chance  of  reciprocal  uneasiness,  from  any 
dubious  discussion.  I  will  only  add,  that  I  have  not  the 
least  objection  to  dear  Mrs.  M.  knowing  my  whole  mind 
on  the  subject,  which  is,  and  has  been  for  many  years,  per- 
fectly decided  God  will  ever  bless  those  who  sacrifice 
worldly  interest  to  pure  conscientious  motives  :  I  have  no 
fears  on  that  head. 

"  Our  journey  is  very  active,  and  full  of  mercies.  I  con- 
clude that  Mary  tells  you  of  the  beauties  and  kindness  of 
Scotia.  She  is  here  forming  truly  Christian  acquaintances 
and  friendships.  I  pray  for,  and  think  of  you  much.  God 
bless  you !  Take  this  as  the  hearty  prayer  and  desire  of 
"  Your  affectionate 

L.  Richmond." 

The  same  subject  is  again  thus  resumed,  in  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  an  active  friend  of  the  Tract  Society  : — 

"  I  can  truly,  dehberately,  and  conscientiously  add  to  the 
testimony  of  my  friend  Pellalt,  the  writer  of  this  tract,  that 
I  do  consider  the  ordinary  musical  festivals,  conducted  as 
they  are,  amid  a  strange  medley  of  wanton  confusion  and 
most  impure  mixtures,  as  highly  delusive,  fascinating,  and 
dangerous  to  youth.  1  consider  the  Oratorio  performances 
in  churches,  as  a  solemn  mockery  of  God,  and  forbidden  by 
the  clear  principles  of  the  Gospel.  The  making  the  most 
»»acred  and  solemn  subjects  which  heaven  ever  revealed  to 
man,  even  to  the  Passion  of  Christ  himself  on  the  cross,  a 
matter  for  the  gay,  critical,  undevout  recreation  of  indivi- 
duals, who  avowedly  assembJe  for  any  purpose  but  that  of 
worship  ;  and  who,  if  they  did'could  hardly  pretend  that  it 
were  very  practicable  in  such  company,  and  on  such  an 
occasion,  I  do  from  my  heait  bel'eve  to  be  highly  offensive 
to  God.  Playhouse  actors  and  singers  (frequently  persons 
of  exceptionable  character,)  are  hired,  supported,  applaud- 


214  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

ed,  and  almost  idolized,  in  tliese  exhibitions,  and  encour- 
aged to  perseveie  in  their  immoral  and  dangerous  profes- 
sion. Vice  lides  very  triumphantly  in  such  proceedings. 
I  am  happy  to  say,  that  in  the  case  of  the  festival  at  Edin- 
burgh, none  of  the  serious  people  either  ministers  or  lay- 
men, have  countenanced  it  with  their  presence  :  excepting 
two  clergymen,  one  of  whom  letl  the  Oratorio  in  the  midst 
of  the  performance,  sliocked  and  confounded  at  the  abuse 
of  holy  things,  and  ashamed  of  being  found  there  ;  the  other 
is  deemed  by  all  his  brethren  to  have  acted  very  wrongly, 
and  to  have  countenanced  much  evil.  The  spirit  of  the 
world,  the  pride  of  hfe,  the  lust  of  the  eye.  all  enter  into 
these  public  gayeties  ;  and  their  false  pretensions  to  partial 
sacredness,  only  tender  them  more  objectionable.  If  young 
people  do  not  learn  this  lesson  early,  they  will  greatly  suf- 
fer in  all  hope  of  their  spirituahty.  The  less  they  may 
now,  in  the  infancy  of  their  Christian  state,  see  and  feel 
thife,  the  more  dangerous  it  is  to  yield  to  their  ignorance 
and  inexperience.  What  is  morally  and  religiously  wrong, 
can  never  become  right  through  the  error  of  youth.  And 
it  would  be  a  strange  departure  from  every  moral  and  reli- 
gious principle,  to  say — <  I  know  an  act  to  be  wrong  in  it- 
self, but  my  child  has  not  grace  enough  to  see  it  as  I  do  ; 
therefore,  I  may  lawfully  permit  him  to  do  what  I  know  to 
be  wrong.'  Would  not  this  open  a  door  to  every  species 
of  sin  and  error  ? 

"  As  to  examples  of  good  people  : — Sin  does  not  cease 
to  be  sin,  because  some  good  people  unhappily  fall  into  the 
snares  which  the  great  enemy  of  souls  spreads  for  their  de- 
lusion. It  is,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  lamentation,  that  good 
men  err  so  deplorably,  and  thereby  countenance  what, 
eventually,  their  principles  condemn,  and  what  they  may 
some  day  have  deep  cause  to  regret. 

"  No  man  in  England  loves  music — sacred  music — bet- 
ter than  I  do  ;  therefore  my  sacrifice  to  principle  and  con- 
science is  far  greater  than  that  of  many  others.  I  ought 
to  have  the  greater  credit  for  my  self-denial ;  but  I  dare 
pot  countenance  sin  a"d  dnnnrpT-,  hprnnse  it  is  clothed  iji 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  215 

the  bewitching  garb  of  good  music  and  pretended  sanctity. 
•*Let  not  my  soul  come  into  their  assembly  !'  Tender  and 
affectionate  husband  and  father,  as  I  hope  I  am,  however  I 
sometimes  may  be  misapprehended,  and  consequently  sorry 
to  interfere  with  the  comfort  of  those  most  near  and  dear 
to  me  ;  yet  I  rejoice  from  my  heart,  in  having  prevented 
the  sanctioning  any  part  of  so  promiscuous  and  unjustifiable 
a  medley,  by  the  attendance  of  the  members  of  my  dear 
family  ;  and  they  will  one  day  thank  me.  When  the  object 
is  avowedly  an  act  of  worship,  all  is  right,  let  who  will  sing 
and  play  :  but  when  it  is  avowedly  an  act  of  amusement, 
religion,  rightly  felt  and  understood,  forbids  the  profane 
performance  of  singing-men  and  singing  women,  trifling 
with  the  things  that  belong  to  our  everlasting  peace,  and 
turning  them  into  mockery." 

We  now  return  to  the  course  of  our  narrative. 

Allusions  have  already  been  made,  in  a  preceding  part 
of  this  Memoir,  to  Mr.  Richmond's  mother  Her  maternal 
<-are  in  the  days  of  his  childhood,  her  early  endeavours  to 
instil  into  his  mind  the  principles  of  religion,  and  the  inter- 
est she  manifested  in  some  of  the  subsequent  events  of  his 
history,  have  been  incidentally  mentioned.  She  died  in  the 
beginning  of  the  year  1819.  But  before  we  enter  upon  the 
account  of  her  decease,  we  shall  introduce  a  brief  memoir, 
from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Richmond,  in  which  the  history  of  his 
family  is  so  interwoven  with  bis  own  earlier  years,  as  to 
fojrm  a  kind  of  episode,  which  we  have  no  doubt  will  in- 
terest the  reader  by  the  simple  and  affecting  character  of 
its  details.  It  is  addressed  to  his  children,  as  a  memorial 
of  the  virtues  of  his  mother  :  while  his  execution  of  it  is  no 
less  the  memorial  of  his  own. 

This  little  piece  will  appropriately  form,  by  itself,  our 
next  chapter.     It  is  entitled  by  the  writer, — 

"  A  Tribute  of  affectionate  veneration  for  the  memory  of 
a  deceased  Mother  ; — in  a  series  of  Letters  to  his  Children. 
By  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond." 


*il'6  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

CHAPTER  XII!. 

,    **  Tribute  to  the  memcyry  of  his  Mother.' 


LETTER  I. 

"  My  beloved  children, 

"  The  affecting  summons  which  I  so  lately  and  unex- 
pectedly received,  to  pay  the  last  act  of  duty  and  love  to 
the  remains  of  my  invaluable  and  revered  parent,  has  im- 
pressed my  mind  with  a  strong  desire  to  leave  some  memo- 
rial of  her  character,  for  your  sakes,  and  for  your  instruc- 
tion. 

"I  am  just  returned  from  the  grave  of  one  whom  a 
thousand  tender  recollections  endeared  to  every  faculty  of 
my  soul  ;  and  I  wish  to  preserve  something  of  that  solemn- 
ity of  feeling  and  gratitude  of  heart,  which  such  a  scene 
was  calculated  to  inspire.  How  can  T  better  do  this,  than 
by  endeavouring  to  convey  those  emotions  to  your  bosoms, 
through  the  medium  of  an  epistolary  communication,  de- 
voted to  an  affectionate  retrospect  of  the  character  and 
disposition  of  the  deceased  ?  I  feel  myself,  as  it  were,  a 
debtor  to  two  generations,  between  whom  I  now  stand,  as 
the  willing,  though  feeble  and  unworthy  agent  by  whom 
benefits  and  consolations  derived  from  the  one,  may  be 
transferred  for  the  lasting  advantage  of  the  other.  The 
solid  character  of  her  religious  principles,  the  superiority 
of  her  mental  attainments,  and  the  singularly  amiable  de- 
portment by  which  she  was  distinguished,  constitute  pow- 
erful claims  to  your  regard.  If  any  additional  plea  were 
needed,  I  would  derive  it  from  the  deep  and  affectionate  in- 
terest which  she  took  in  whatever  concerned  your  welfare. 


REV.  LKGH  RICHMOND.  *21v 

iioth  spiritual  and  temporal ;  from  the  prayers  which  she 
daily  offered  up  to  the  throne  of  mercy,  for  your  happiness  ; 
and  from  the  unceasing  watchfulness  and  anxiety  which 
she  manifested,  for  your  progress  in  every  good  word  and 
work. 

"  Although  she  was  far  separated  from  you,  by  the  dis- 
tance of  her  residence  from  our  own,  and  the  opportunities 
of  personal  intercourse  were  thereby  greatly  restricted ; 
yet  her  most  tender  and  sacred  affections  were  ever  near 
to  me  and  mine.  We  occupied  her  daily  thoughts,  and 
her  nightly  meditations  ;  and  now  that  she  is  gone  to  rest, 
and  her  heart  can  no  longer  beat  with  mortal  anxieties,  it 
is  highly  becoming  that  we,  who  loved  her,  and  whom  she 
^o  ardently  loved,  should  give  a  consistency  to  our  affection 
for  such  a  parent.  Jay  a  grateful  inquiry  into  those  qualities 
of  head  and  heart  with  which  God  so  eminently  blessed 
her. 

"  There  is  a  solitary  tree,  underneath  which,  by  her  own 
desire,  she  lies  buried,  in  Lancaster  church-yard.  I  feel  a 
wish,  if  I  may  be  allowed  for  a  moment  to  employ  the 
imagery,  to  pluck  a  branch  from  this  tree  that  waves  over 
her  tomb,  to  transplant  it  into  my  own  domestic  garden, 
and  there  behold  it  flourish,  and  bring  forth  <  fruit  unto  ho- 
liness.' I  would  gladly  encourage  a  hope,  that  this  wish 
may  be  realized  in  you,  my  children  ;  and  that  such  inter- 
course with  the  dead,  may  indeed  prove  a  blessing  to  the 
living. 

"  But  this  only  can  be  expected  in  dependence  on  the 
free  and  undeserved  mercy  of  that  God  and  Saviour,  in 
whom  your  venerable  grandmother  trusted,  and  *■  whom  to 
know  is  hfe  eternal.'  Whatever,  therefore,  of  domestic 
narrative  ;  whatever  of  earnest  exhortation  to  yourselves  ; 
or  whatever  of  remark  upon  the  interesting  quahties  of 
the  subject  of  this  memoir,  may  intermingle  with  my  pre- 
sent address, — keep  invariably  in  mind,  that  my  great  ob- 
ject, as  it  concerns  her,  and  you,  and  myself,  is  to  give 
glory  to  God  alone  ;  and  in  the  deepest  humiliation  of 
heart,  to  look  up  to  Him  as  the  sole  fountain  of  excellence. 
20 


'218  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

"  In  addressing  you  on  such  a  subject,  my  children,  it  is- 
natural  that  I  should  reflect  on  the  varieties  of  age,  and 
circumstance  in  which  you  are  placed.  Even  in  point  of 
your  number^  I  can  hardly  pronounce  it  without  some  de- 
gree of  fear  and  trembling  Ten  immortal  souls  ! — souls 
allied  to  my  own,  by  ties  inexpressibly  tender,  and  inviola- 
bly dear, — souls  committed  to  my  charge,  not  only  as  a 
minister,  but  a  parent  '  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?' 
has  been  the  secret  cry  of  many  a  minister  and  many  a 
parent.  In  each  of  these  relations,  I  wish  to  apply  that 
divine  promise  to  my  heart,  our  *  sufficiency  is  of  God." 
I  have  long  cherished  a  hope,  founded  on  another  gracious 
intimation  of  His  will  to  those  who  love  and  fear  him — 
'  The  promise  is  unto  you  and  to  your  phildren,  and  to  all 
that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall 
call.'  Supported  by  these  consolations,  it  has  been  my 
aim  to  bring  you  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  train  up  my  children  in  the  right  way  ;  trust- 
ing, that  if  they  live  to  be  old,  they  will  not  depart  from  it. 
Yet  sometimes  the  anxious  fear,  connected  with  a  survey 
of  the  world  in  which  you  are  placed — its  vanities  and  its 
vices — its  delusions  and  its  dangers,  will  force  itself  on  my 
thoughts.  I  have  lived  to  see,  in  other  families,  some  of 
their  buds  of  promise  blighted,  through  the  baneful  and 
infectious  influence  of  corrupt  associations.  I  have  seen 
what  havoc  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world, 
the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  the  wiles  of  the  devil, 
have  made  in  many  a  household.  I  have  witnessed  the 
sorrows,  and  mingled  mine  with  the  tears  of  my  friends, 
when  they  have  spoken  of  the  wanderings  and  misconduct 
of  some  of  their  children  :  and  then,  I  have  occasionally 
trembled  for  my  own  little  flock.  But  I  feel  it,  at  the  same 
time,  to  be  both  my  privilege  and  my  duty,  to  use  this  very 
solicitude  for  a  higher  and  nobler  purpose  than  despon- 
dency and  unbelief  would  suggest.  These  anxious  affec- 
tions are  planted  in  the  parental  heart,  and  manifestly  or- 
dained of  God,  as  incentives  to  caution,  and  stimulants  t© 
prayer.     As  such;  I  would  employ  them  for  your  sakes ; 


BEV.  LE6H  RICHMOND.  '21% 

1  would  hereby  the  more  assiduously  teach  you  to  '  abhor 
that  which  is  evil,  and  cleave  to  that  which  is  good  :'  and, 
above  all,  I  would,  with  the  more  earnestness  and  depen- 
dence on  the  covenant  grace  of  God,  present  your  mortal 
and  immortal  interests  in  suppHcation,  to  Him  who  hath 
said,  *  the  promise  is  unto  you  and  your  children,  and  to 
all  that  are  afar  off,  as  many  as  the  Lord  shall  call' 

"  And  surely,  I  may  be  alhjwed  to  urge  an  excuse  for 
dwelling  upon  this  text,  even  in  a  way  of  literal  applica- 
tion. For  you,  my  first-bom  child,  are  indeed  '  afar  off;' 
a'Jid  these  pages  may  much  more  easily  reach  you,  among 
your  uncertain  journeyings  on  the  shores  or  the  waves  of 
India,  than  they  can  ever  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the 
exercises  of  varied  affection,  which  your  eventful  history 
lias  occasioned  us. 

**  Next  to  your  immediate  parents',  no  one  felt  so  deeply 
on  your  account  as  my  deceased  mother.  Her  prayers 
and  good  wishes  were  mingletl  with  our  own,  when  we  first 
committed  you  to  the  vicissitudes  of  the  ocean,  and  the 
mariner's  lot ; — and  the  above-named  promise  was  her  sup- 
port, as  well  as  ours. 

"  As  1  stood  on  the  shores  of  the  Isle  of  Wight  in  the 
summer  of  1814,  and  watched  the  departure  of  the  ship 
which  contained  my  child,  with  a  father's  eye  and  a  father's 
heart,  I  mused  over  the  past,  the  present,  and  the  future^ 
until  the  shadows  of  the  night  interrupted  my  view.  One 
moment  suggested,  *  my  poor  child  will  soon  be  afar  off;* 
the  next,  as  it  were,  replied,  but  ♦  the  prrtmise  is  unto  you 
and  to  your  children,  and  to  as  many  as  are  afar  off.'  The 
thought  consoled  me  as  1  returned  homeward,  and  I  pray- 
ed for  my  little  ones,  that  God  would  speak  *  peace  to  you 
which  were  afar  off,  and  to  them  that  were  nigh.' 

*'  And  then,  again,  my  son  when  during  the  following 
year  we  received  the  dismal  tidings  of  the  wreck  of  your 
ship,  and  the  destruction  «»f  nearly  all  her  crew,  on  thf 
coast  of  Africa,  as  she  returned  on  her  voyage  from  Cey- 
lon, when  among  the  six  persons  whom  alone,  out  of  360, 
Providence  saved  from  death,  we  found  not  your  name,  we 


•320  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

seemed,  in  this  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  more  than 
ever  to  need  the  rod  and  the  staff  of  the  great  Shepherd  to 
comfort  us.  At  that  trying  period  the  same  promise  came 
to  our  aid,  and  we  felt  its  consohng  influence,  while,  like 
Aaron,  when  his  sons  were  dead,  we  held  our  peace.  And 
when  afterward  it  pleased  God,  in  the  mystery  of  his  mer- 
cies, to  discover  to  us  our  mistake,  and  to  prove  to  us  that 
you  had  no  part  in  the  horrors  ol  this  watery  grave,  it  did 
indeed  seem  once  more  fulfilled — '  this  my  son  was  dead 
and  is  alive  again  ;  he  was  lost  and  is  found.' 

"  During  these  transitions  of  feeling,  I  cannot  express 
how  much  the  truly  scriptural  communications  of  sentiments 
and  counsel,  which  we  received  from  my  now  deceased  pa- 
rent, contributed  to  the  encouragement  of  faith,  and 
patience,  and  gratitude.  From  that  period  till  her  death, 
the  welfare  of  my  child  *  afar  off'  continued  to  lay  very 
near  to  her  heart :  *  what  news  from  India  V  was  her  fre- 
quent inquiry,  and  always  accompanied  by  an  interesting 
tear  of  maternal  solicitude.  To  you,  therefore,  as  the 
eldest  of  my  dear  fihal  flock,  I  may,  with  due  earnestness, 
first  commend  this  '  tribute  of  affectionate  veneration  for 
the  memory  of  my  deceased  mother. ' 

"  She  was  a  faithful  mother  to  us  all ;  and  I  wish  her 
memory  to  be  enshrined  in  the  grateful  recollection  of  your 
heart.  If  these  lines  are  ever  permitted  to  meet  your  pe- 
rusal, my  son,  cherish  them  for  her  sake  and  mine. 

"  From  India,  I  turn  to  my  nine  children  at  home ;  and 
greet  you  with  a  father's  blessing,  as  I  present  you  with 
these  domestic  meditations,  which  I  write  for  the  sake  of 
those  of  you  who  have  enjoyed  the  opportunity  of  occa- 
sional intercourse  with  the  subject  of  the  memoir,  as  well 
as  of  those  whom  circumstances  never  permitted  to  know 
her.  I  anticipate  the  time  when  even  my  last  born,  the 
babe  that  cannot  yet  lisp  the  honoured  name  of  '  grandmo- 
ther,' shall  not  be  ignorant  of  her  worth,  but  shall  love  to 
•listen  to  the  record  of  those  gracious  affections  with  which 
God  w^as  pleased  to  adorn  her ;  and,  perhaps,  on  some  fu- 
ture day,  when  visiting  the  grave  where  she  is  laid,  may  say. 


REV.    LEGU    RICHMOND. 


5^1 


»  here  lies  one,  whom  from  ray  cradle  I  was  taught  to  love 
and  honour.' 

'*  But,  whilst  T  am  enumerating  '  the  olive  branches 
which  surround  my  table,'  and  *  the  children  whom  God 
hath  given  me,'  [  suddenly  feel  as  if  I  had  erred  in  my 
calculations.  Is  there  no  link  of  connexion  between  the 
visible  and  invisible  worlds  ?  no  right  of  appropriation  by 
which  an  earthly  parent  may  say,  '  I  have  a  child  in  hea- 
ven V  Yes  ;  a  sweet  little  cherub  in  the  mansions  above., 
seems  to  my  imagination  to  be  the  very  link  which  faith  and 
love  would  employ  to  animate  all  the  energies  of  my  best 
affections,  when  I  look  at  my  still  living  children,  and  con- 
template their  immortal  condition. 

"  One  of  you,  my  eleven  children,  is  in  glory, — a  lamb, 
safely  and  eternally  folded  in  the  arms  of  his  Redeemer. 
lie  is  the  first  of  my  household  that  has  gone  to  his  rest. 
May  he  prove  a  pledge  for  many  to  follow  him  there,  in 
God's  own  time.  In  the  mean-time,  cherish  it  in  your  fre- 
quent remembrance,  as  an  argument  for  heavenly-minded- 
ness,  that  one  of  you  is  already  in  heaven.  I  may  not,  in- 
deed, now  address  myself  to  him ;  but  f  may  speak  of  him 
to  you  :  I  may  remind  you  of  his  epitaph,  and  of  the  Para- 
dise to  which  he  belongs.  I  may  also  thus  preserve  the 
sense  of  kindred  alhance  between  the  dead  and  the  living 
of  my  family,  and  ardently  pray  for  the  perfect  and  eternal 
reunion  of  them  all,  through  grace,  in  '  the  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.'  Such  likewise,  were 
the  supplications  of  her  who  through  faith  and  patience  is 
gone  to  inherit  the  promises,  and  to  join  our  own  httle  in- 
fant in  singing  hallelujahs  *  to  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the 
throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb.' 

"  In  the  cherished  anticipation  of  such  results,  from  the 
free  and  undeserved  mercies  of  redemption,  I  will  conclude) 
the  present  letter,  by  subscribing  myself 
"  Your  affectionate  father, 

Leoh  Richmot^p." 
20* 


-:2*^  uMEMOIRS    OF    THF 


LETTER  IT. 

*«  My  dear  children, 

"  In  this  endeavour  to  delineate  a  short  sketch  of  the 
•life  of  your  deceased  grandmother,  it  seems  necessary  that 
I  should  give  you  some  little  information  respecting  her  pa- 
rentage and  ancestry.     There  is  a  kind  of  pleasing  melan- 
choly in  recurring  to  times  now  long  past,  and  to  former 
generations,  endeared  to  recollection,  by  kindred  ties,  to 
which  I  cannot  feel  wholly  insensible.     A  number  of  letters, 
papers,  and  documents,  connected  with  fhe  early  circum- 
stances of  my  dear  mother's  life,  and  of  her  more  imme- 
diate relatives  and  ancestors,  lie  before  me.     While  I  pe- 
ruse them,  I  seem  to  be  translated  to  a  former  age  ;  and 
to  realize  once  more,  scenes  and  associations  which  can 
only  thus  be  revived.     They  bring  to  ray  recollection  the 
friends  of  my  own  infancy  long  since  dead,  and  the  various 
domestic  relations  and  events  of  which  they  loved  to  speak. 
I  would  not  set  a  higher  value  on  such  things  than  they  de- 
serve, nor  would  I  put  the  mortal  genealogies  of  earth  in 
even  a  momentary  competition  with  the  alliance  of  <  the 
family  of  heaven.'     Yet,  in  tracing  the  personal  history  of 
those  whom  God  is  pleased  to  honour  with  spiritual  bless- 
ings, an  interest  may  lawfully  be  excited  by  a  variety  of  mi- 
nor circumstances,  which  are  necessary  to  the  connexion 
of  the  story,  and  may  lead  to  profitable  considerations, 
when  viewed  as  the  links  of  that  chain  in  Providence,  by 
which  the  Almighty  Father  upholds  the  destinies  of  his 
children,  and  confirms  the  councils  of  his  will  respecting 
them. 

"  My  mother  was  born  at  Liverpool,  in  the  year  1 736. 
Her  parents  were  descended  from,  and  nearly  related  to, 
several  ancient  and  respectable  families  in  the  counties  of 
Lancaster  and  Chester.  Her  father,  John  Atherton,  Esq., 
of  Walton  Hall,  near  Liverpool,  was  descended  from  a 
younger  branch  of  the  Athertons,  of  Atherton  in  the  former 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  2*23 

county,  who  settled  at  Preston.  Of  his  character  I  have 
frequently  heard  my  mother  speak  with  affectionate  vene- 
ration. More  particularly,  she  used  to  give  me  an  account 
of  a  behaviour  and  conversation  on  his  death-bed,  which 
seemed  to  bear  the  characteristics  of  true  Christian  faith 
and  hope.  '  I  am,'  said  he,  '  an  unworthy  sinner,  but  I 
know  in  whom  I  have  beHeved.  I  have  nothing,  nothing 
of  my  own  ;  but  Christ  is  every  thing.  My  daughter,  the 
comforts  of  dying  rest  not  in  the  poor  merits  of  man,  but 
in  the  sure  ftiercies  of  God.' 

'*  Such  were  a  few  of  the  expressions  which  frequently 
escaped  from  his  Hps,  till  his  eyes  peacefully  closed  in 
death.  Such  traditional  memorials  should  be  valued 
amongst  us  that  remain  :  and  may,  by  God's  blessing, 
prove  incentives  to  follow  those  who,  through  faith  and  pa- 
tience, are  gone  before  to  inherit  the  promises. 

*•  Her  mother  was  tlie  daughter  of  Sylvester  Richmond 
Esq.,  of  Acton  Grange,  in  the  county  of  Chester,  by  Fran- 
ces Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  Richard  Brook,  of  Norton 
Priory,  Baronet,  who  died  in  1710. 

*'  Her  mind,  at  a  very  early  period,  exhibited  a  strong  in- 
clination to  the  study  of  the  best  authors.  She  was  well 
versed  in  the  historians,  essayists,  and  poets  of  her  own 
country,  and  read  the  French  language  with  fluency.  Her 
memory,  even  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-three,  was 
well  stored  with  the  judiciously-selected  reading  of  her 
younger  years.  She  possessed  a  naturally  strong  judgment, 
and  examined  with  accuracy  the  sentiments  and  the  style 
of  every  book  which  she  read.  At  a  period  when  female 
education  was,  with  but  few  exceptions,  vei7  feebly  di- 
rected to  the  cultivation  of  general  and  useful  literature  ; 
when  the  romance  and  the  cookery  book  were  too  frequent- 
ly esteemed  to  be  the  chief  requisites  of  a  lady's  library — 
Miss  Atherton  was  a  constant  student  in  almost  every  branch 
of  such  learning  as,  even  in  this  more  cultivated  age,  would 
be  deemed  advantageous  and  interesting  to  the  female  mind. 
In  this  ihe  was  encouraged  by  both  her  parents,  who  well 


224  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

understood  and  highly  valued  the  proper  cultivation  of  the 
understanding,  through  the  medium  of  useful  literature. 

"  But  with  these  attainments  there  was  no  display,  no 
pedantry,  no  conceit.  If  ever  there  was  a  disposition 
marked  by  true  feminine  modesty  and  humility,  it  was  her 
own.  She  thoroughly  fulfilled  the  apostolic  injunction, 
'  in  honour  preferring  one  another.'  Others,  indeed,  knew 
her  value  ;'  but  she  ever  undervalued  herself.  Althougl) 
domestic  and  retired  in  her  habits,  yet  she  mingled  with 
and  adorned  a  most  respectable  circle  of  relatives  and 
friends,  among  whom  she  was  justly  esteemed  as  an  improv- 
ing and  amiable  companion. 

"  From  her  childhood  she  entertained  a  deep  reverence 
for  the  holy  Scriptures,  and  had  a  strong  tincture  of  piety 
in  her  disposition  She  read  many  valuable  authors,  on  re- 
ligious subjects  :  and  though  not  at  all  times  equally  favour- 
ed with  opportunities  of  Christian  intercourse,  which  daily 
experience  proves  to  be  so  requisite  for  decision  of  charac- 
ter, yet  her  heart  was  ever  directed  with  firmness  and  af- 
fection towards  serious  subjects,  which  produced  a  con- 
scientious integrity  of  mind,  distinguishable  in  her  whole 
deportment.  In  the  latter  period  of  her  life,  to  which  I 
shall  soon  direct  your  chief  attention,  she  has  confessed  to 
me  that  defective  views  of  some  primary  points  of  Christian 
doctrine  pervaded  her  former  religious  sentiments.  She 
most  sincerely  relied  on  the  atonement  of  Christ ;  but  at 
that  period  had  imperfect  views  of  the  fulness  and  suffi- 
ciency of  his  work.  She  had  acquired  very  humbling  views 
of  herself  as  a  sinner  ;  yet  these  were  not  unmixed  with  er- 
ror and  indistinctness,  with  regard  to  the  plan  of  divine 
acceptance.  The  commonly  received  divinity  of  that  day, 
and  the  usual  discourses  of  the  pulpit,  were  lamentably  de- 
fective in  many  grand  essentials  of  Christian  faith.  The 
spiritual  truths  of  the  Gospel  and  the  fundamental  princi- 
ples of  the  Reformation,  were  generally  veiled  under  a  sys- 
tem of  ethics,  which  however  pure  and  correct,  as  a  part  of 
the  great  scheme  of  revelation?  yet,  when  substituted  for 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  225 

the  whole,  loses  its  own  intrinsic  value,  while  it  robs  the 
Redeemer  of  his  honour,  and  the  sinner  of  his  hope. 

"  Under  external  disadvantages  of  this  nature,  it  is  an  in- 
teresting subject  of  investigation  to  trace  the  secret  and 
gradual  progress  of  tlie  mind  of  a  sincere  and  humble  in- 
quirer after  truth,  through  the  different  stages  of  its  ad- 
vancement. 

"  There  were  two  circumstances  which  greatly  contri- 
buted to  strengthen  and  direct  her  judgment  and  affections 
in  religious  concerns.  Her  mother's  own  brother,  the 
Rev.  Legh  Richmond,  who  was,  first,  vicar  of  Garstang 
near  Lancaster,  and  afterward  rector  of  Stockport,  in 
Cheshire,  was  educated  and  prepared  for  the  ministry  by 
Dr.  Thomas  Wilson,  bishop  of  Sodor  and  Man.  The  ve- 
nerable and  apostolical  character  of  this  insular  prelate,  was 
by  this  connexion  brought  more  immediately  under  Miss 
Atherton's  notice  She  also  saw  much  of  a  similar  dispo- 
sition in  the  conduct  and  ministry  of  his  pupil,  her  uncle. 
*  Bishop  Wilson,'  to  use  the  language  of  his  biographer, 
<  was  a  man  of  most  exemplary  piety,  charity,  and  all 
Christian  graces,  who  continued  for  the  long  course  of 
fifty-seven  years,  to  perform  all  the  ofllices  of  a  good  bishop 
and  a  good  man.'  His  writings,  and  particularly  his  ma- 
nual of  devotion,  entitled  *  Sacra  Privata,'  were  much  es- 
teemed by,  and  rendered  very  useful  to  her.  These  bene- 
fits were  greatly  increased  by  intercourse  with  her  uncle, 
whose  disposition,  attainments,  and  conduct  in  the  ministry, 
not  a  little  resembled  those  of  his  excellent  tutor. 

**  My  dear  mother  always  spoke  with  peculiar  gratitude 
and  veneration  of  the  advantages  which  she  received  from 
the  instructions  and  conversation  of  this  relative.  Her 
subsequent  marriage  with  his  son,  my  late  honoured  father, 
Henry  Richmond,  M.  D  ,  naturally  conduced  to  increase 
those  sentiments  of  respect  and  regard  which  she  had  pre- 
nously  entertained,  and  rendered  every  valuable  feature  in 
his  domestic  and  ministerial  character  doubly  dear. 

Another  circumstance  connected  with  the  early  period 
of  her  life,  to  which  I  have  frequently  heard  her  revert,  and 


226  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

of  which  I  find  among  her  papers  some  valuable  memorials:, 
was  her  intimatf^  acquaintance  with  a  near  relative,  the  late 
Henry  Cornwall  Legh,  Esq.,  of  High  Legh,  in  the  county 
of  Chester.  This  gentleman  had  formed  a  valuable  inter- 
course with  the  late  Lord  Dartmouth  and  some  of  his 
friends,  through  whom  he  had  ireen  led  into  remarkably 
solid  and  serious  views  of  tie  great  importance  of  realreli-' 
gion.  I  have  often  heard  my  mother  observe,  that  of  all 
the  acquaintances  of  her  own  age,  during  her  earlier  years, 
there  was  none  with  whom  she  found  so  much  congeniality 
of  mind,  upon  religious  topics,  as  Mr.  Legh  Frequent 
visits  which  she  made  to  the  family  at  High  Legh,  afforded 
opportunities  of  useful  conversation  with  her  relative.  I 
am  now  in  possession  of  two  manuscripts  on  sacred  sub- 
jects, given  to  my  mother  by  Mr.  Legh,  to  which  she  at- 
tached great  value,  and  of  which  she  spoke,  to  the  end  of 
her  life,  as  a  means  of  guiding  her  mind  into  clearer  views 
of  divine  truth  than  any  human  composition  which  she  had 
previously  read  As  I  consider  these  papers  to  be  estima- 
ble for  their  own  sake,  as  well  as  that  of  my  mother  and 
her  friend  Mr.  Legh,  I  will  annex  part  of  them  to  this  me- 
morial, and  indulge  a  hope  that  her  grandchildren  may 
profit  by  the  same  channel  of  instruction  which,  at  a  former 
period,  was  instrumental  to  the  spiritual  attainments  of  the 
deceased. 

"  I  have  hitherto  been  speaking  of  that  portion  of  m^ 
dear  parent's  life  which  was  prior  to  my  own  birth.  I 
shall,  in  ray  next  letter,  write  more  immediately  from  my 
own  recollection  and  experience.  I  wish  you  to  profit  by 
this  simple  domestic  narrative.  I  feel  that  I  owe  it  to 
God,  to  my  children,  and  to  my  departed  mother,  that  you 
should  become  better  acquainted  with  her  now  that  she  is 
dead,  than  circumstances  permitted  while  living." 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  '327 


LETTER  III. 


•*  In  the  year  1771,  Miss  Atherton  was  married  to  hei 
i:ousin,  Dr.  Henry  Richmond,  the  only  son  of  the  Rev. 
Legh  Richmond.  His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Henry 
Legh,  Esq.,  of  High  Legh,  in  Cheshire,  by  Letitia,  anotlier 
daughter  of  Sir  Richard  Brook,  Bart.,  of  Norton.  Dr. 
Richmond  was  educated  at  the  grammar  school  in  Maccles- 
field, under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Atkinson.  He  was 
entered  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  in  the  year  1759, 
and  was  elected  fellow  of  that  society  in  1766.  He  was 
originally  intended  for  the  sacred  ministry,  and  his  father 
had  considerable  hopes  at  one  period,  of  obtaining  the  rec- 
tory of  Stockport  for  him  ;  but  in  consequence  of  the  fail- 
ure of  his  expectations  in  that  point,  a  change  took  place 
in  regard  to  the  profession  which  he  adopted,  and  he  ap- 
plied himself  to  the  study  of  physic. 

"  Not  long  after  the  death  of  hi^  father,  which  took  place 
in  1769,  Dr.  Richmond  settled  as  a  physician  in  the  town 
of  Liverpool.  At  this  period  Miss  Atherton  resided  with 
her  motlier,  now  a  wid«>w,  in  St.  Paul's  Square,  in  the 
same  town.  A  congeniality  of  principles  and  dispositions, 
foimded  upon  many  valuable  qualifications  of  mind,  which 
they  each  possessed  ;  and  an  esteem,  strengthened  by  the 
kindred  intimacy  of  the  families  from  their  very  infancy, 
led  to  that  union  which  took  place  in  1771.  Her  younger 
sister  Elizabeth  was  nearly  at  the  same  time  married  to 

Michael  Nugent,  Esq.,  of in  Ireland,  a  first-cousin 

to  the  late  Earl  Nugent.  Mrs.  Atherton  continued  to  live 
with  Dr  and  Mrs.  Richmond  till  her  death,  which  did  not 
take  place  till  about  sixteen  years  after  the  marriage  of  her 
daughters  ;  I  am  the  more  minute  in  relating  these  family 
occurrences  to  you,  my  children,  because  I  am  aware  that 
it  is  the  only  channel  through  which  you  are  likely  to  obtain 
them.  The  lapse  of  time,  the  distance  and  dispersion  of 
9onie  relatiTes,  and  the  deaths  of  many  others,  gradually 


228  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

throw  a  veil  over  a  variety  of  occurrences  and  connexion-^, 
the  remembrance  of  which,  to  a  certain  extent,  I  wish  you 
to  preserve. 

"  We  know  not  by  what  pecuHar  links  in  the  chain  of 
providence  and  grace,  it  may  please  God  to  promote  our 
best  and  dearest  interests  ;  but,  among  others,  I  would 
cherish  the  hope,  that  the  memorials  of  our  ancestry,  and 
more  especially  of  such  as,  in  their  generation,  loved  and 
feared  His  holy  name,  may  not  be  unavailing  to  their  pos- 
terity. 

''  I  will  now  endeavour  to  lay  before  you  a  short  review 
of  what  I  may  call  the  second  period  of  your  grandmo- 
ther's life.  Her  conduct  during  the  single  state,  as  a 
daughter,  had  been  useful,  affectionate,  dutiful,  and  domes- 
tic Such  daughters,  and  such  alone,  are  calculated  to  ex- 
hibit those  still  brighter  characteristics  which  attach  to  the 
subsequent  relations  of  the  wife  and  the  mother  Let  my 
children  ever  remember,  that  in  the  ordinary  course  of  the 
progress  of  a  Christian  and  domestic  character,  the  seed  of 
hope  is  planted  in  childhood,  and  the  bud  manifests  its  first 
beauty  and  fragrance  in  their  earlier  youth,  and  thence  is- 
sues that  more  expanded  foliage,  which  constitutes  the 
ornamental  features  of  their  more  advanced  condition. 
There  is  a  wise  and  beautiful  order  in  the  mode  and  manner 
of  the  dispensations  of  God's  grace. 

"  There  is  a  progressive  attainment  of  knowledge,  and  a 
growth  of  principle  in  the  hearts  of  such  as  He  is  training 
up  in  the  way  they  should  go,  which  successively  develope 
as  the  infant  advances  to  childhood,  the  child  to  youth,  and 
the  youth  to  man.  There  is  a  preparation  of  heart  which 
accompanies  this  progressive  formation  of  character.  The 
affections  and  principles  of  action  which,  under  the  divine 
blessing,  have  been  fostered  in  the  bosom  of  the  child,  to 
the  furtherance  of  the  parent's  happiness,  and  the  general 
welfare  of  the  domestic  circle,  are  precisely  those  which 
will  hereafler  constitute  the  solidity  and  the  loveliness  of 
the  nuptial  character.  The  difficulties  and  the  trials  of 
early  life  may  have  been  fewer  (mercifully,  perhaps,  or- 


I 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  !229 

dained  to  be  so  ;)  but  the  heart  that  has  been  disciplined 
in  the  school  of  filial  obedience  and  affection,  is  thus  pre- 
pared for  future  usefulness,  and  for  the  trial  of  faith,  love, 
and  patience   in  a  subsequently  acquired  relation. 

"  More  particularly  to  speak  of  the  female  character  : — 
subject  to  those  exceptions  which  the  urdimited  grace  of 
the  Almighty  is  sometimes  pleased  to  make  in  the  disposi- 
tions of  individuals  at  a  more  advanced  period  of  life, — ex- 
ceptions which  in  no  respect  form  a  rule  for  general  con- 
clusions ;  those  who,  in  unaffected  sobriety  of  manners 
and  simple  spirituality  of  heart,  have  aimed  at  fulfilling  the 
domestic  duties  of  the  daughter^  will  ever  constitute  that 
truly  honourable  class  of  women  whom  Providence  ap- 
points to  sustain  the  more  arduous  characters  of  the  Chris- 
tian wife  and  the  Christian  mother.  In  vain  shall  we  look 
for  characters  of  this  description  among  the  daughters  of 
tolly  and  fasliion  Their  hearts  are  estranged  from  the 
very  principle  of  the  domestic  disposition.  Accustomed 
to  the  repeated  indulgence  of  luxurious  inclinations,  their 
volatile  desires  are  ever  upon  the  wing  in  search  of  some- 
thing new  and  gay,  that  may  satisfy  a  craving  and  disorder- 
ed appetite  for  novelties.  They  are  *  lovers  of  pleasure 
more  than  lovers  of  God.'  But,  says  the  same  apostle, 
'  she  that  liveth  in  pleasure  is  dead  while  she  liveth.'  Be- 
ware, my  dear  daughters,  of  such  examples  :  dread  their 
contagion,  and,  therefore,  shun  their  society.  Pray  that 
you  may  ever  be  preserved  from  the  ensnaring  influence  of 
those  pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world  which  you  have  so- 
lemnly renounced  in  your  baptism.  And  let  it  be  the  com- 
fort of  ray  advancing  years,  to  see  that  your  centre  of 
attachment,  as  well  as  duty,  is  at  home. 

"  Numberless  and  invaluable  are  the  ideas  which  connect 
with  that  one  word,  home..  May  you  and  I  eq  cherish  them 
by  sacred  principle  on  earth,  that  we  may  be  found  meet 
for  a  better  home  hereafter,  even  for  *  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  hght.'  My  dear  mother  had  been  educated 
in  sentiments  truly  domestic  :  her  chosen  associates  were 
of  a  similar  character, — her  parents  encouraged  them  for 
21 


230  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

conscience,  as  well  as  for  comfort's  sake.  Her  time  and 
attention  had  been,  from  her  youth  upward,  chiefly  directed 
to  the  devoted  study  of  religious  truths,  the  culture  of  use- 
ful literature,  the  temperate  pursuit  of  the  elegant  arts,  the 
society  of  estimable  friends,  and  the  well  regulated  plans 
of  her  parents'  family.  In  the  midst  of  all,  she  lived  in 
constant  habits  of  prayer  ;  and  this  consolidated  the  valu- 
able qualities  of  her  mind,  and  gave  them  a  holy  tendency. 

"  With  dispositions  and  habits  thus  previously  formed, 
Miss  Atherton  entered  into  the  marriage  state.  The  fol- 
lowing year  gave  birth  to  the  heart  that  dictates,  and  to  the 
hand  that  guides  my  pen. 

"  May  I  not  be  allowed  to  pause  for  a  few  moments  over 
the  solemn  and  affecting  considerations  hereby  suggested. 
I  have  frequently  meditated  upon  the  subject  of  my  birth, 
as  connected  with  my  death  and  resurrection.  I  have  often 
contemplated  the  history  of  man,  through  its  eventful 
course,  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave  ;  and  endeavoured  to 
make  the  practical  application  to  myself.  But  I  think  I 
never  felt  its  characteristic  importance  so  powerfully,  or  at 
least  so  affectingly,  as  when  I  committed  to  the  grave  the 
friend,  the  nurse,  the  protector,  the  guide  and  guardian  of 
ray  helpless  infancy, — all  summed  up  in  the  endeared  name 
of  mother.  I  seemed  to  recall  the  time,  '  when  as  yet  I 
hanged  on  my  mother's  breast ;'  and  to  revert  to  the  ten- 
der anxieties  with  which  she  watched  over  her  JBrst-born 
child.  And  now  a  few  short  years  are  rolled  away,  and 
how  great  the  change  !  The  eye  that  saw,  the  ear  that 
heard,  the  tongue  that  encouraged,  and  the  arm  that  upheld 
the  babe  of  her  youth,  are  mouldering  in  the  dust !  She 
is  departed  hence,  and  is  no  more  seen  !  It  is  my  prayer, 
for  myself  and  my  loved  children,  that  we  may  so  learn  '  to 
number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wis- 
dom.' And  if  such  meditations  as  these  may,  through 
grace,  lead  us  to  see  more  of  the  vanity  of  the  earthly 
state,  the  value  of  time,  and  the  rapid  approach  of  eter- 
nity, our  visit  to  the  tomb  will  not  have  been  unprofit- 
able. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  231 

*^  I  wen  remember,  in  the  early  dawn  of  my  expanding 
reason,  with  what  care  she  hiboured  to  instil  into  my  mind 
a  sense  of  the  being  of  God,  and  of  the  reverence  which  is 
due  to  him  ;  of  the  character  of  a  Saviour,  and  his  infinite 
merits  ;  of  the  duty  of  prayer,  and  the  manner  in  which  it 
ought  to  be  offered  up  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Her  way  ol* 
enforcing  these  subjects  was  like  one  who  felt  their  impor- 
tance, and  wished  her  child  to  do  so  likewise.  First  in- 
structed by  her  to  read  I  have  not  forgotten,  in  my  Bible 
lessons,  with  what  simplicity  and  propriety  she  used  to  ex- 
plain and  comment  on  the  word  of  God,  its  precepts  and 
examples.  These  infantine  catechetical  exercises  still  vi" 
brate  in  my  recollections,  and  confirm  to  my  own  mind, 
the  great  advantage  attendant  upon  the  earliest  possible 
endeavours  to  win  the  attention,  and  store  the  memory  with 
religious  knmcledge.  Her  natural  abilities,  which  were  of 
a  superior  character,  enabled  her  to  converse  with  a  very 
little  child  with  much  effect ;  and  there  was  a  tenderness 
of  affection,  united  to  a  firmness  of  manner,  which  greatly 
promoted  the  best  interests  of  a  nursery  education. 

**  My  mother  had  six  children  ;  three  of  whom  died  ia 
infancy.  A  very  affecting  circumstance  accompanied  the 
death  of  one  of  them,  and  was  a  severe  trial  to  her  ma- 
ternal feelings.  Her  then  youngest  child,  a  sweet  little 
boy,  just  two  years  old,  was,  through  the  carelessness  of 
his  nurse^  precipitated  from  a  bed- room  window,  upon  the 
pavement  beneath.  I  was  at  that  time  six  years  of  age, 
and  happened  to  be  walking  on  the  very  spot,  when  the 
distressing  event  occurred :  I  was,  therefore,  the  first 
to  take  up,  and  deliver  into  our  agonized  mother's  arms^ 
the  poor  little  sufferer.  The  head  was  fractured,  and  he 
only  survived  the  fall  about  thirty  hours.  1  still  preserve  a 
very  distinct  and  lively  remembrance  of  the  struggle  be- 
tween the  natural  feelings  of  the  mother,  and  the  spiritual 
resignation  of  the  Christian.  She  passed  the  sad  interval 
of  suspense  in  almost  continual  prayer,  and  found  God  a 
present  help  in  time  of  trouble.  Frequently  during  that 
day,  did  she  retire  with  me  ;  and  as  I  knelt  beside  her,  she 


i233 


MEMOIRS    OF    THE 


Uttered  the  feelings  and  desires  of  her  heart  to  God.  I 
remember  her  saying,  '  If  1  cease  praying  for  five  minutes^ 
I  am  ready  to  sink  under  this  unlooked-for  distress  ;  but 
when  1  pray,  God  comforts  and  upholds  me  :  his  will,  not 
mine,  be  done/  Once  she  said,  '  Help  me  to  pray,  my 
child :  Christ  suffers  little  children  to  come  to  him,  and 
forbids  them  not, — say  something,  *  What  shall  1  say. 
mamma  ? — shall  I  fetch  a  book  ?'  *  Not  now,'  she  replied  : 
*  speak  from  your  heart ;  and  ask  God  that  we  may  be  re- 
conciled to  his  will,  and  bear  this  trial  with  patience.' 

"  The  day  after  the  infant's  death,  she  took  me  to  the 
bed  on  which  my  little  brother  lay  ;  and  kneeling  down,  she 
wept  for  a  few  minutes  in  silence  ;  and  then  taking  his 
Cold  hand  in  one  of  hers,  and  mine  in  the  other,  she  said 
— *  Lord,  if  it  had  not  been  thy  good  pleasure,  it  had  nol 
been  thus.  Thy  will  be  done  !  I  needed  this  heavy  trial, 
to  show  me  more  of  myself,  and  to  wean  me  from  the 
world.  Forgive  my  sins,  O  God  !  and  let  me  not  murmur/ 
Then  looking  at  the  cherub  countenance  of  her  babe,  she 
added — 'Thou  art  not  lost,  but  gone  before  me!'  She 
then  put  his  hand  into  mine,  and  said — *  If  you  live,  my 
child,  never  forget  this ;  and  may  I  one  day  meet  you  both 
in  heaven  I' 

"  I  have  dwelt  upon  this  part  of  my  dear  parent's  histo- 
ry with  the  more  minuteness,  because  she  has  frequently 
told  me,  that  it  was  not  only  the  greatest  shock  which  her 
feelings  were  ever  called  upon  to  sustain  ;  but  that  she 
was  persuaded,  it  was  overruled  by  God  for  the  most  salu- 
tary purpose,  as  it  concerned  the  spiritual  discipline  of  her 
own  heart.  To  the  end  of  her  life  she  wore  a  little  locket 
attached  to  her  watch  :  it  contained  a  lock  of  her  poor 
little  Henry's  hair  :  and  she  often  looked  at  it,  and  spoke 
of  it,  as  a  remembrance  of  God's  goodness  to  her,  at  a 
most  trying  season. 

"  These  things  occurred  at  Stockport,  when  we  were  on 
a  visit  to  my  father's  mother  and  sisters,  in  the  early  part 
of  the  year  1778.  "^Fhe  recollection  of  what  I  have  rela- 
ted, is  still  clear  and  impressive  on  my  mind. 


'    B,EV.  LEOfl    RICHMOND.  283 

♦'  Not  many  weeks  after  the  death  of  this  child,  my  father 
proposed  a  tour  into  Yorkshire,  Westmoreland,  Cumber- 
land, and  Lancashire,  with  a  view  to  the  restoration  of  my 
mother's  heahh  and  spirits,  which  had  materially  suffered 
from  her  distress  of  mind.  A  journey  through  scenes  of 
so  much  beauty  as  the  mountains  and  lakes  of  that  district 
afford,  was  rendered  peculiarly  interesting  by  the  state  of 
mind  in  which  it  was  undertaken. 

"  My  mother  had  a  correct  taste  for  landscape  scenery, 
and  loved  to  trace  the  hand  of  the  Creator  in  his  works. 
She  had,  also,  an  acquaintance  with  the  history,  antiquity, 
and  biography  of  her  country,  which  was  much  gratified 
by  the  objects,  both  of  art  and  nature,  associated  with 
them.  Her  memory  was  enriched  with  many  of  the  best 
descriptive  passages  in  the  works  of  the  poets,  and  she 
was  able  to  quote  and  apply  tliem  to  the  various  objects 
which  presented  themselves  to  her  notice.  My  lather's 
mind  was  perfectly  congenial  to  hers  in  these  things. 

"  Young  as  I  was  at  the  time,  1  feel  a  grateful  satisfac- 
tion in  retaining  30  much  as  I  do,  of  the  scenes  through 
which  we  passed,  and  of  the  remarks  which  they  made,  in 
conversation  upon  them.  I  need  not  tell  you,  my  children, 
how  great  a  source  of  pleasure  I  myself  have  derived 
from  the  contemplation  of  the  beauties  of  landscape,  taken 
in  connexion  with  its  associated  circumstances,  and  more 
especially  in  its  relation  to  the  hand  that  formed  them. 

"  To  this  journey  in  my  childhood,  accompanied  as  it 
was  by  the  tender  anxiety  of  my  mother  in  particular,  to 
direct  my  attention  to  every  object  worthy  of  notice,  and 
the  impressive  maimer  in  which  her  late  severe  trial  led 
her  to  utter  her  sentiments,  I  ascribe  much  of  my  own 
turn  of  mind,  as  associated  with  the  works  of  nature.  Her 
little  boy  was  permitted  to  ramble  with  her  amongst  the 
noble  scenery  of  Skiddaw  and  Helvellyn  ;  to  sail  on  the 
smooth  expanses  of  Derwentwater  and  Winandermere ; 
and  to  have  his  wondering  eye  directed  by  her  to  the  cata- 
racts of  Barrow  and  Lowdore.  He  was  allowed  to  visit, 
with  her,  the  minsters  of  Ripon  and  York,  tjje  ruins  of 
21* 


^34  xMEMOIRS  or  THK 

"Fountains'  Abbey,  the  splendid  castle  of  Raby,  and  the 
romantic  course  of  the  Tees.  Amidst  the  whole,  she  did 
not  forget  to  teach  him  the  importance  of  treasuring  up 
useful  information,  cultivating  a  taste  for  the  wonders  of 
nature  and  art,  and  of  learning  how  much  it  is  the  Chris- 
tian's duty, 

'  To  look  through  nature,  up  to  nature's  God.' 

And  now,  when  no  longer  himself  a  little  boy,  but  a  father, 
writing  to  his  own  little  boys,  he  feels  a  kindred  pleasure 
in  endeavouring  to  excite  in  them  a  love  for  these  early 
enjoyments  of  his  own  phildhood,  througli  which  he  was 
so  affectionately  led  by  the  hand  and  the  heart  of  his  mo- 
ther. 

"In  the  year  1782,  my  father  quitted  his  residence  at 
liiverpool,  and  settled  in  tht'  city  of  Bath,  where  he  prac- 
tised as  a  physician  about  twenty-four  years.      As  it  is  my 
intention  to  write  to  you  principally  upon  what  I  have  seen 
and  known  of  my  mother,  during  the  latter  part  of  a  life 
prolonged  to  nearly  eighty-four  years,  and  as,  in  so  doing, 
i  shall  have  occasion   to  make  several  references  to  the 
circumstances  that  preceded  this  period,  I  shall,  in  a  more 
cursory  manner,  speak  of  the  events  of  her  domestic  history. 
"  Her  mother,  Mrs.  Atherton,  died  at  Bath,  in  the  nine- 
tieth year  of  her  age,  in  the  year  1789.     She  was  a  woman 
of  remarkable   sweetness  of  disposition  ;    and  possessed 
many  qualities  of  mind  which  greatly  endeared  her  to  a 
valuable  circle  of  acquaintance,  even  to  that  advanced  pe- 
riod.     Serious,  sensible,  and  cheerful,  her  conversation 
was  instructive  and  entertaining  :    full  of  anecdote  and 
good  sense,  she  was  an  interesting  companion  to  the  young, 
and  even  to  children,  as  well  as  to  their  elders.^    She  evi- 
denced a  very  marked  regard  for  religious  principles  and 
services,  and  adorned  them  with  a  corresponding  conduct. 
She  bore  her  faculties  very  meekly,  and  enjoyed  an  almost 
uninterrupted  state  of  good  health,  until,  after  a  short,  and 
not  painful  illness,  she  gently  sunk  into  the  grave  ;  and. 
full  of  years  and  respect,  <  slept  with  hor  fathers.' 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  235 

•'  In  the  whole  of  their  deportment,  and  in  the  manage- 
ment of  the  family,  ray  parents  maintained  great  order  and 
propriety,  founded  upon  conscientious  principles.  They 
steadily  resisted  the  torrent  of  folly,  vice,  and  dissipation, 
for  which  the  gay  city  of  Bath  is  distinguished.  While 
the  giddy  votaries  of  fashionable  life  incessantly  whirled  in 
the  vortex  of  ensnaring  pleasure,  they  cultivated,  for  them- 
selves and  their  children,  sentiments  and  habits  of  a  do- 
mestic and  rational  character.  Regular  and  prudential  in 
all  their  household  arrangements,  they  maintained  a  valua- 
ble intercourse  with  many  estimable  friends  ;  and  set  their 
children  a  uniform  example  of  steady  resistance  to  those 
temptations  so  injurious  to  all,  but  especially  to  the  rising 
generation.  Their  evenings  were  much  spent  at  home,  in 
family  reading,  and  improving  conversation.  By  pursuing 
tliis  course,  they  hoped  to  lay  a  foundation  for  future  do- 
mestic usefulness,  in  their  childrens'  dispositions.  I  shall 
ever  retain  a  grateful  remembrance  of  the  sober  and  tem- 
perate regulations  which  characterized  my  paternal  roof. 
It  was  their  desire  to  bring  us  up  in  the  fear  of  God,  and 
to  teach  us  the  important  lesson  of  self-denial,  so  essen- 
tial to  the  formation  of  Christian  principle 

"  My  dear  mother  felt  much  anxiety  on  my  account, 
during  the  period  of  my  residence  in  Trinity  College, 
Cambridge,  which  commenced  in  1789,  and  tenninated  in 
1797.  A  tide  of  infidel  and  democratical  principles  burst 
upon  this  country  at  that  period,  in  connexion  with  the 
French  revolution.  Many  young  men,  and  not  a  few  at 
the  Universities,  were  deeply  infected  with  them  :  it  was, 
indeed,  a  dark  and  dangerous  epoch,  and  she  dreaded  the 
influence  of  evil  communications.  Her  letters  used  to 
breathe  the  language  of  parental  caution,  and  evidenced 
the  correctness  of  her  own  judgment.  The  following  ex- 
tract is  from  one  bearing  date  1790  : — 

*  I  hope  that  my  dear  son  does  not,  in  the  midst  of  his 
literary  studies,  forget  those  that  pertain  to  religion.  I 
cannot  help  trembling  for  my  country,  in  these  days  of  in- 
fidel democracy.    I  fear,  too  many  young  students  at  Col- 


^6'  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

lege  treat  the  Scriptures  with  neglect,  if  not  with  contempt. 
Some  such  have  lately  passed  the  Christmas  vacation  at 
Bath,  and  have  made  a  very  unbecoming  display  of  their 
sentiments,  at  the  coffee-houses  and  public  rooms.  I  sin- 
cerely hope  that  you  will  be  preserved  from  this  conta- 
gion. It  has  been  my  prayer  to  God,  from  your  infancy, 
that  you  might  live  and  die  a  true  Christian.  I  am  more 
anxious  about  this  point,  than  about  your  classical  and  ma- 
thematical attainments,  important  as  they  may  be.  I 
know  you  will  bear  with  a  mother's  exhortations  ;  they 
come  from  a  heart  which  has  long  beat  with  anxiety  for 
your  welfare,'  &c.  &c. 

"  In  a  subsequent  letter,  of  the  same  period,  she  writes — 

'  Your  sentiments  in  answer  to  your  father's  last,  on  the 
subject  of  religion,  gave  me  no  small  satisfaction.  Who- 
ever deserts  that  firm  foundation,  is  exposed  to  every  gale 
of  passion,  and  at  best,  spends  his  life  in  a  comfortless  and 
agitated  state  :  for  doubt  is  misery  to  a  thinking  mind  ;  and 
human  reason,  with  all  its  self-sufficiency,  is  easily  misled 
by  inclination.' 

"  It  was  a  subject  of  peculiar  satisfaction  to  my  mother, 
that  after  four  years'  residence  at  college,  during  which 
period  my  father  had  left  me  to  the  free  choice  of  the  pro- 
fessions of  the  law  or  the  church  I  at  length  deliberately 
preferred  the  latter  Before  that  period  it  had  been  other- 
wise— both  my  father's  mind  and  my  own  had  leaned  to 
the  former  :  but  when  1  assigned  to  him  a  variety  of  mo- 
tives for  entering  into  the  ministry,  which  resulted  from 
much  consideration  on  my  part,  he  cheerfully  acquiesced 
in  my  decision. 

"  I  then  first  discovered  that  it  had  been  my  mother's  se- 
cret wish  and  prayer,  from  my  birth,  that  I  might  become  a 
minister  of  GodJ's  word ;  but  she  had  never  disclosed  it  to 
me,  from  a  fear  of  creating  an  undue  bias,  in  a  matter 
which  she  considered  ot  so  great  importance.  Her  views 
of  the  ministerial  profession  were  peculiarly  serious,  and 
she  dreaded  the  idea  of  a  rash  intrusion  into  the  sacred  of- 
fice.    She  had  wished  me  to  be  guided  by  the  unfettered 


REV.  LEGH   RICHMOND.  237 

ilisposidon  of  my  own  mind,  and  hoped  God  would  di- 
rect me  in  the  riaht  path.  Her  sentiments  may  be  ga- 
thered from  the  following  extract  of  a  letter,  dated  March, 
1794  :~ 

*  Your  account  of  the  motives  which  have  determined 
you  to  enter  into  the  church,  as  contained  in  your  letter  to 
your  father,  has  given  us  both  great  satisfaction.  \our 
determination  on  this  point,  appears  to  me  as  an  answer  to 
the  prayers  which  I  have  been  offering  up  ever  since  you 
were  born.  The  character  of  a  good  clergyman  has  ever 
stood  foremost  in  my  estimation  ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that 
of  a  careless  J  idley  and  dissipated^  and  above  all,  an  immoral 
onci  has  been  my  dread  and  abhorrence.  The  object  of  al- 
most every  other  profes.si<m  terminates  with  this  world,  and 
its  concerns  ;  but  that  of  a  clergyman  looks  to  eternity. 
Here  much  depends  upon  the  character  and  conduct  of  the 
minister  of  a  parish.  Your  grandfather  Richmond  was  an 
excellent  pattern  of  what  a  pastor  should  be,  and  I  sincerely 
wish  you  may  tread  in  his  steps.  I  am  sorry  to  say,  that 
Bath  has  long  been  the  annual  resort  of  a  class  of  young 
clergymen,  whom  I  hope  you  will  never  imitate.  The  ball- 
room, the  theatre,  and  the  card-table,  are  not  the  appointed 
scenes  of  clerical  occupation.  /  l&ce  the  Church  of  En- 
gland too  tpeUj  not  to  feel  hurt  and  ashamed  when  the  lerdty 
and  unsuitable  conduct  of  any  of  her  clergy  give  the  world 
at  large  a  just  ground  for  censure. 

*  My  feelings  respecting  yourself  and  the  sacred  profes- 
sion, have  been  constantly  associated  with  the  principles  of 
a  Httle  book,  with  which  I  wish  you  to  become  better  ac- 
quainted. It  is  called  *  A  Mother's  Legacy  to  an  unborn 
Child.'  It  was  written  by  Mrs.  Joceline,  who  was  aunt  to 
my  great-grandfather.  Sir  Richard  Brook,  of  Norton.  Her 
thoughts  and  wishes,  relative  to  her  child  becoming  a  cler- 
gyman, are  precisely  my  own  Her  book  is  a  very  inter- 
esting and  affecting  composition,  and  has  long  been  a  fa- 
vourite companion  of  mine. 

*  Your  choice  of  your  profession  has  ea.sed  my  mind  of  a 
considerable  burden  ;  and  the  principles  which  you  express 


238  MEMOIRS    OF   THE 

give  me  hope,  that  if  my  life  be  spared,  you  will  be  a  coi«-_ 
fort  to  my  old  age,  and  also  a  blessing  to  many  others. 
Pray  to  God  for  direction  and  counsel  in  all  your  ways  j 
trust  in  the  mercy  of  the  Saviour ;  and  pursue  the  path  ojf 
duty,  as  the  appointed  way  to  happiness.! 

"  I  was  ordained  a  deacon  in  the  month  of  June,  1797^ 
by  the  Bishop  of  Winchester  ;  in  consequence  of  obtaining 
the  curacy  of  Brading,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight.  On  this  oc- 
casion she  wrote  to  me. — 

'  I  passed  the  evening  of  the  day  on  which  my  dear  sot 
was  ordained  (last  Trinity  Sunday,)  in  privacy  and  prayer* 
Next  to  the  day  that  gave  you  birth,  I  consider  it  as  the 
most  important  of  your  life.  You  are  now  become  a  mi- 
nister of  the  church.  Yours  is  a  weighty  charge — may 
God  give  you  grace  to  fulfil  its  duties  aright.  You  are  go- 
ing to  reside  in  a  beautiful  country,  and  I  hope  you  will 
also  find  *  the  beauty  of  holiness'  there.  I  always  had  a 
desire  to  see  the  Isle  of  Wight ;  and  now  I  have  the  pros- 
pect of  visiting  the  young  pastor  and  his  flock,  as  an  addi- 
tional inducement  to  go  there.  I  shall  conclude  by  obser- 
ving, that  as  it  may  now  seem  too  presuming  in  me  to  give 
lectures  on  theology  to  a  reverend  divine,  I  shall  henceforth 
rather  expect  to  receive  them  from  you  :  but  a  mother's 
prayers  may  be  as  needful  as  ever,  and  her  blessing  no  less 
acceptable  than  formerly.     Take  them  both  from 

'  Your  aflfectionate  mother, 
C.  R.' 

*'  Such,  my  dear  children,  were  the  maternal  auspicejs 
under  which  I  entered  on  the  work  of  the  ministry.  As  to 
myself,  I  had  much,  very  much  yet  to  learn,  and  not  a  little 
to  unlearn  ;  but  whatever  lessons  I  had  to  acquire,  or  what- 
ever mercies  to  experience,  they  are  all  rendered  doubly 
valuable  to  me,  as  connected  with  the  prayers  and  blessing 
of  such  a  parent. 

"  Peace  and  gratitude  be  to  her  memory,  from  the  heart 
of  your  affectionate  father. 


REV.    LEGH    RlCHMOXD< 


LETTER  IV. 


im 


'•  My  dear  Children, 
«  I  had  scarcely  entered  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
when  a  train  of  circumstances  led  me  to  a  much  deeper  and 
more  anxious  investigation  into  the  real  nature  of  the  reli- 
i,Mon  of  the  Bible  and  of  the  Church  of  England,  than  I  had 
hitherto  pursued.  But  as  my  present  object  is  not  to  speak 
of  myself,  otherwise  than  as  immediately  and  necessarily 
connected  with  my  dear  parent,  I  shall  only  observe,  that 
my  correspondence  and  intercourse  with  her,  from  that  pe- 
riod, assumed  a  very  serious  and  affectionate  character, 
upon  all  the  great  points  of  scriptural  truth. 

"  My  own  mind  has  been  thoroughly  convinced,  that  it 
is  very  possible  to  enter  into  the  sacred  office  of  the  minis- 
try, with  all  the  advantages  of  theological  and  literary  at- 
tainments— with  a  mind  not  insensible  to  the  moral  and 
benevolent  duties  of  the  clerical  character — and  with  a 
general  acquaintance  with  all  the  system  of  our  ecclesias- 
tical formularies,  and  still  be  a  stranger  to  the  essential  and 
discriminating  principle,  on  which  rest  all  the  energies  and 
all  the  efficacy  of  personal  and  social  rehgion.  I  evidently 
perceived  the  application  of  this  important  remark  to  my 
own  case,  and  was  gradually  led  to  the  deliberate  and  con- 
scientious adoption  of  what  I  then  did  believe,  and  now  do 
believe  to  be  the  truth,  the  only  genuine  source  of  inward 
peaco  and  vital  holiness." 

[Here  the  manuscript  ends.] 


24(1  MEMOIRS  or  THE 

We  feel  considerable  regret  at  the  abrupt  conclusion  of 
this  manuscript,  not  only  on  account  of  the  reader,  but  for 
the  sake  of  Mr.  Richmond's  family,  to  whom  it  would  have 
served  as  a  valuable  and  authentic  memorial,  endeared  by 
its  being  the  production  of  their  father.  It  seems  to  have 
been  commenced  shortly  after  the  death  of  his  mother, 
which  occurred  in  February,  1819  ;  and  it  is  probable, 
that  his  numerous  engagements  prevented  him  from  com- 
pleting the  interesting  detail  We  cannot  forbear  observing 
how  important  it  is,  that  men  whose  writings  are  likely  to 
benefit  others,  should  leave  nothing  of  real  moment  unfinish- 
ed— that  they  should  beware  of  trusting  to  a  futurity  which 
they  may  never  realise.* 

We  can  supply  the  deficiency  in  the  above  memoir  only 
by  the  insertion  of  the  following  papers.  We  are  sorry 
that  our  materials  are  not  more  ample. 

The  first  is  a  prayer,  found  among  his  mother's  papers, 
and  which  appears  to  have  been  composed  by  her  at  the 
time  her  son  first  went  to  college. 

"  O  Lord  the  author  and  fountain  of  all  good  things  ! 
from  thy  bountiful  mercy  and  goodness,  we,  thine  unworthy 
creatures,  receive  all  we  possess  and  enjoy,  valuable  in  tliis 
World,  and  also  the  assured  hope  and  confidence  of  eternal 
happiness  in  the  world  to  come.  Look  down,  I  most  ear- 
nestly beseech  thee,  upon  the  hearty  desires  of  thy  humble 
servant.     Bestow,  O  Lord,  upon  this  child  such  a  portion 

*  The  writer  remembers  once  paying  a  visit  to  r>r.  Watson,  the 
well  known  bishop  of  Llandaff,  at  his  beautiful  residence  at  the 
lakes,  and  seeing  him  surrounded  by  several  volumes  which  he  was 
successively  examining :  on  asking  his  lordship  what  was  the  subject 
of  his  studies — he  replied, "  these,  sir,  are  my  own  works.  At  my  Ad- 
vanced age  I  must  expect  to  be  drawing  near  the  grave,  and  I  am 
preparing  for  the  press  a  final  edition  of  all  that  I  have  written,  re- 
vised and  corrected  by  my  own  hand,  to  prevent  an  editor  mutila- 
ting them  after  my  death."  His  decease  occurred  about  twelve 
months  afterward,  which  was  the  best  proof  of  the  prudence  of  the 
measure. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  'Ml 

of  thy  heavenly  grace  as  may  support  him  in  all  the  dan- 
gers, and  carry  him  through  all  the  temptations  of*  this 
wicked  and  degenerate  age.     Let  the  enemy  of  our  salva- 
tion have  no  advantage  over  hira  :  and  let  not  the  wicked 
one  be  able  to  approach  to  hurt  him ;  visit  him,  O  Lord, 
with  thy  salvation,  and  keep  him  in  perpetual  peace  and 
safety.     Let  not  the  pernicious  examples  of  any  of  his 
companions  ever  incline  him  to  transgress  thy  laws,  in 
thought,  word,  or  deed.     May  he  abhor  and  detest  every 
thing  that  has  the  appearance  of  immorality,  and  flee  from 
sin  as  from  a  fiery  serpent.     Grant,  O  Lord,  that  after  the 
pattern  of  his  blessed  Saviour,  he  may  increase  in  wisdom 
and  knowledge  ;  may  he  grow  in  grace  as  well  as  years, 
and  in  favour  with  God  and  man.     May  he  be  dutiful  and 
obedient  to  all  those  who  have  the  rule  and  authority  over 
him.     May  he  cheerfully  and  readily  obey  their  commands, 
and  in  every  thing  be  directed  and  instructed  by  their  gui- 
dance and  counsels.     May  he  behave  with  due  judgment 
and  propriety  to  all  his  equals  ;  and  to  his  inferiors  may  he 
always  show  himself  condescending  and  obliging.     Endue 
him,  O  Lord,  with  such  a  share  of  natural  faculties  and 
abilities,  that  he  may  receive  and  retain  the  instructions 
and   precepts   of  his   tutors  and  teachers  :  but  grant,  O 
Lord,  that  human  knowledge  may  not  prejudice  that  which 
is  divine  ;  let  him  rather  study  thee  and  thy  kingdom,  than 
all  things  else.     To   know   thee.  O  Lord,  is  to  be  truly 
wise,  and  to  contemplate  and  meditate  on  thee,  and  thy  won- 
derful goodness  to  the  children  of  men,  is  the  highest  learn- 
ing. 

*'  Finally,  O  Lord,  if  it  be  thy  blessed  will,  grant  him 
such  a  measure  of  thy  wisdom  from  above,  that,  in  the  fu- 
ture course  of  his  life,  he  may  become  a  useful  member  of 
Jiociety  ;  and  having  served  tJiee  faithfully  in  this  Ufe,  by 
doing  good  in  his  generation,  may  be  made  partaker  of 
everlasting  glory  in  thy  Son's  kingdom  in  heaven,  where 
there  is  fulness  of  joy,  and  at  whose  right  hand  tiiere  arc 
pleasures  for  evermore.  All  this  I  most  humbly  and  ear- 
nestly entreat,  in  and  through  the  merits  and  mediation  ot 
22 


•242  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

thy  Son  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name, 
and  in  whose  words,  thou  Irast  promised  to  be  propitious  to 
the  petitions  of  those  who  approach  thy  throne  with  faith 
and  sincerity. 

<*Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,"  &c. 

Mr.  Richmond's  mother  was  sometimes  exercised  with 
fears  respecting  her  right  apprehension  of  eternal  things. 
The  following  letter  from  her  son,  written  on  one  of  these 
occasions,  exhibits  a  most  lucid  statement  of  Christian 
doctrine. 

"  My  very  dear  Mother, 

*'  t  trust  that  the  letter  which  you  have  written  to 
me,  will  neither  in  length  rior  strength  be  one  of  only  few 
such,  which  I  may  be  happy  enough  to  receive.  No  ; 
write  to  me  constantly,  while  hand  and  eye,  and  heart 
and  head,  are  thus  mercifully  spared  for  the  instruction 
and  gratification  of  your  children.  Write  to  me  on  what 
concerns  the  body,  and  also  the  soul.  The  latter  es- 
pecially claims  our  mutual  contemplation.  Ere  long  we 
shall  both  be  in  eternity  :  you,  perhaps,  a  little  sooner, 
and  I  in  a  short  space  to  follow.  Yet  even  this  natural 
order  of  providence  may  be  reversed,  if  God  see  good. 
At  all  events,  what  are  the  i^w^  short  years  and  days  of 
time  compared  with  a  '  for  ever  ?'  Cherish,  my  dear 
mother,  clear,  deep<  solid,  unfading  views  of  the  Saviour's 
work  ;  a  work  so  perfect,  that  the  sinner  can  neither  add 
to  nor  take  away  from  it, — a  work  which  ensures  peace  to 
the  guilty — pardon  to  the  offending — light  to  the  blind — 
life  to  the  dead!  Beware  of  dishonouring  Christ  by 
doubting  of  his  power  or  willingness  to  save,  because  you 
feel  yourself  unworthy,  sinful  and  weak.  Faith  honours 
him  by  believing.  <  What  must  I  do  V  cried  the  jailer  ; 
'  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'  was  Paul's  reply. 
Salvation  is  wholly  of  faith  from  first  to  last.  This  is  the 
grand  discriminating  principle  between  true  scriptural 
evangelical  religion,  and  all  mere  imitations  or  assump- 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  243 

tions  of  that  title.  Our  paradox  is,  that  <  weakness  is 
strength.'  The  soul  that  by  faith,  through  grace  is  saved 
without  works,  obtains  an  inward  principle  of  love,  which 
must  \Dorky  cannot  but  work^  and  actually  does  work.  The 
order  is  thus  :  First,  God  loved  us  ,  secondly,  thence  wo 
obtain  faith  to  tru  t  him  ;  thirdly,  we  are  thus  saved  ; 
fourthly,  we  therefore  love  him  who  first  loved  us  :  fifthly, 
this  love  produces  ^rood  thoujrhts,  words,  and  works,  as 
the  fruits,  not  the  root,  of  our  salvation.  Thus  is  He  the 
author  and  finisher  of  our  faith,  and  the  author  of  salva- 
tion to  all  them  that  obey  him.  He  has  promised  to  all, 
as  well  as  to  David,  to  perfect  the  thing  which  concerneth 
his  people  :  whom  he  loveth,  ne  loveth  to  the  end  ;  trust 
him,  therefore,  evermore  SucH  is  the  Christian's  doc- 
trinal, practical,  and  experimental  creed. 

'*  I  preached,  on  Sunday,  a  right  loyal  sermon  for  poor 
queen  Charlotte,  and  traversed  all  the  useful  and  exem- 
plary features  in  her  character.  This  day  she  is  to  be 
buried.  Peace  to  her  memory  !  Poor  king  George !  In 
the  midst  of  life,  he  is,  as  it  were  in  death — in  light,  dark- 
ness— in  riches,  poor — in  splendour,  dulness — in  society, 
solitary  : — yet,  hippily,  not  dead — not  dark — not  poor — 
not  dull — not  solitary.  Providence  hangs  a  veil  of  mys- 
tery over  him,  but  grace  illuminates  it,  even  while  we  can 
scarcely  discern  through  it  the  form  of  our  revered 
monarch.  He  sees  cons^dations  and  companions  from  on 
high.  He  has  the  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give,  nor 
sickness  take  away  ;  therefore  he  is  a  happy  man.  Our 
journey  was  well  bestowed  on  Fanny,  and  will,  I  hope, 
leave  a  lasting  impression  on  her  mind,  of  a  useftil  sort. 
I  do  with  you  hope  that  my  valuable  acquaintance  may 
be  of  future  use  to  my  children ;  the  *  promise,'  you 
know,  *  is  not  <mly  to  us,  but  to  them.' 

»<  With  great  love  to  all,  from  all, 

'*  Your  affectionate  son, 

LeGII    RiCHlklOXD." 


-44  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

The  following  letter,  addressed  by  Mr.  Richmond  to 
Iiis  wile,  enables  us  to  supply  some  information  relative  to 
his  father  ;  at  the  same  time  that  it  affords  a  fine  illustra- 
tion of  tlie  faith  and  resignation  of  his  mother. 

"  Dearest  Maiy, 

"  I  sent  you  a  few  hastily  penned  lines  last  night. 
As  soon  as  I  had  finished  them,  I  went  to  our  medical 
friend,  from  whom  I  had  a  regular  account  of  the  melan- 
choly event  which  has  brought  me  here  I  had  previously 
written  a  note,  that  I  might  be  shown  into  a  room  witli 
my  dear  mother  alone.  I  then  went  with  Mary,  and 
found  my  mother  in  a  most  interesting  struggle  between 
divine  consolation  and  natural  aftection.  My  first  words, 
after  an  interval  of  silence,  were,  *  are  you  supported,  my 
dear  mother  ?'  *  Beyond  all  hope  and  expectation,'  was 
the  reply.     *  Do  you  find  the  consolations  of  Christianity  ?" 

*  I  am  resigned  to  the  stroke,  although  it  rends  my  heart 
in  two.  I  may  weep  ;  but  I  dare  not,  will  not  complain. 
I  never  deserved  him ;  he  was  lent  to  me,  and  now  God 
has  taken  him  again  You  are  come  to  support  a  poor  wi- 
dowed mother's  heart  ;  and  I  know  you  will  be,  what  your 
dear  sister  Fanny  has  already  been,  the  prop  and  strength 
of  my  age  and  affliction.'  I  was  astonished  and  melted  at 
her  fortitude  and  resignation.  I  find  my  dear  father's  mind, 
for  three  weeks  past  was  calm  and  tranquil,  expressive  of 
much  faith,  patience,  and  hope.  My  mother  was  reading 
that  exquisite  commentary  of  Bishop  Home,  on  the  23d 
Psalm.     He  observed,  at  the  close  of  the  fourth  verse. 

*  that  is  heavenly,  and  it  is  my  comfort.'  He  then  suddenly 
said, '  my  head  is  giddy,'  staggered  to  the  sofa,  and  fell  into 
my  mother's  arms  ;  his  eyes  fixed,  and  a  deadly  paleness 
on  his  face.  She  contrived  to  ring  the  bell,  and  instanlly 
returned  to  him  ;  he  gasped  for  breath,  and  groaned  twice. 
The  servant  came  in,  and  lifted  up  his  legs  ;  he  gave  one 
more  slight  struggle,  and  breathed  out  his  soul  in  my  mo- 
ther's arms.  She  sat  with  him  two  hours  in  silent  compo- 
sure ;  unable  to  weep,  but  tranquil  in  grief.     That  night 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  '245 

she  could  not  sleep,  but  gained  relief  by  much  weeping. 
Fanny  arrived  on  Sunday  evening,  and  slept  with  our  dear 
mother.  After  I  had  sat  for  half  an  hour  yesterday  even- 
ing, the  rest  came  in,  one  by  one,  and  we  fell  into  a  solemn 
but  tranquil  conversation.  My  very  heart  was  ready  to 
burst ;  but  I  concealed  my  feelings  as  much  as  possible. 
After  a  while,  I  went  to  see  the  body  of  my  father.  As 
we  proceeded  up  stairs,  I  found  my  legs  tremble,  and 
when  I  came  to  the  room  door,  I  staggered  ;  but  instantly 
offering  up  a  prayer  for  strength,  felt  relieved,  and  ad- 
vanced. 

*♦  Instead  of  seeing  any  thing  to  inspire  terror,  I  beheld 
his  well-known  and  honoured  countenance  so  calm,  hea- 
venly, mild,  and  unaltered,  that  it  seemed  only  like  a  sweet 
sleep.  I  never  felt  more  composed  ;  and  we  sat  three- 
quarters  of  an  hnur,  chiefly  in  silent  contemplation.  I  could 
only  now  and  then  interrupt  it  by,  '  Oh  !  how  sweet  a  coun- 
tenance ! — there  is  nothing  terrible  in  this  !  It  is  the  em- 
blem of  peace  and  composure.  Oh  !  my  dear  father  !  I 
could  have  wished  to  have  closed  your  eyes — but  God's  will 
be  done  !  With  difficulty,  I  left  the  room.  I  went  down 
lo  supper.  Afterwards,  I  requested  all  the  house  to  assem- 
ble, and  read  1  Cor  xv.  ;  and  then  offered  up  a  solemn  and 
appropriate  prayer.     Great  feelmg  pervaded  us  all. 

"  This  naorning,  at  nine  o'clock,  commenced  the  business 
of  the  funeral.  My  heart  again  failed  me.  I  was  exces- 
sively tried  in  the  procession  through  the  church-yard,  and 
in  the  church  I  was,  however,  inwardly  strengthened,  and 
shed  the  last  tear  over  his  remains. 

"  On  i-eturning  to  the  house,  for  a  moment  I  fainted,  but 
recovered.  Indeed,  my  dear  love,  it  has  been  a  very  trying 
scene  to  me.  A  thousand  tender  recollections  of  past  days 
have  successively  crowded  upon  my  mind  ;  and  every  ob- 
ject here  reminds  me  so  much  of  a  beloved  and  revered 
parent,  that  I  cannot  but  feel  deeply. 

"  He  seems  to  have  had  a  presentiment  of  his  approach- 
ing end,  but  rather  concealed  it  from  others.  I  never  felt 
ffiyielf  of  such  power  to  console  as  at  this  moment.    My 

22* 


ilG  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

dear  mother  says,  '  You  are  my  oak,  and  I  am  a  poor  ivy^ 
clinging  around  you  :  now  you  are  my  child  indeed.'  " 

The  ensuing  letter  contains  all  the  particulars  with  which 
we  are  furnished  respecting  the  decease  of  this  excellent 
woman,  in  January,  1819.  It  is  addressed  to  one  of  his 
daughters.  He  had  previously  seen  her  in  the  month  of 
July  ;  and  remarked,  that  she  looked  more  aged,  though  not 
complaininor  ;  but  that  she  had  ex{)ressed  her  apprehensions 
that  they  were  meeting  for  the  last  time. 

''  My  dear  F , 

<  I  am  just  returned,  after  executing  the  difficult  and 
affecting  task  of  preaching  a  funeral  sermon  for  my  most 
excellent  and  revered  mother,  at  her  parish  church.  I 
took  my  subject  from  Ps.  cxv.  1  as  best  suited  to  her  hum- 
ble, meek,  and'  believing  frame  of  mind.  It  was  indeed  a 
trying  effort  ;  but  God  carried  me  through  surprisingly.  1 
introduced  some  very  interestmg  papers,  which  I  have 
found  among  her  memoranda,  in  her  own  hand-writing. 
Her  last  message  to  me  was — '  Tell  ray  son,  I  am  going  di- 
rect to  happiness.' 

"  Never  was  there  a  more  delightful  and  heavenly  coun- 
tenance than  hers,  as  she  lay  in  her  coffin  ;  it  combined 
every  sentiment  which  the  most  devout  mind  could  desire  : 
love — ^joy — peace — gentleness — goodness — faith — meek- 
ness— charity,  all  shone  serenely  bright.  I  followed  her  to 
her  grave,  in  Lancaster  church-yard,  where  she  lies  under 
a  sycamore  tree,  amid  the  magnificent  landscape  of  sea. 
mountains,  rivers,  castle,  and  church,  around.  You  remem- 
ber its  high  beauties.  But  you  very  imperfectly  know  the 
high  qualities  of  head  and  heart  which  your  grand-mammn 
possessed — 1  never  met  with  her  eqyal  at  the  same  age.  J 
occupy  her  little  room,  adjoining  her  bed  room,  by  day  ; 
and  it  is  a  great  consolation  to  me,  to  sit  in  her  arm-chair 
and  think  of  her,  and  read  her  papers  on  various  subjects. 

There  you  and  I  took  leave  of  her,  in  November  kst — 
but,  alas  [  her  place  knoweth  her  no  more  !     I  look  out  of 


REV.  LEG^H    RICHMOND.  ^4T 

the  window,  at  the  grand  range  of  snow-capt  mountains^ 
which  are  now  beautiful  in  the  extreme.  I  had  no  concep- 
tion of  the  winter  beauties  of  these  hills  ; — Lansdale  Piles. 
Rydal  Head,  Hill  Bell,  Helvellyn,  &c.  &c.,  all  finely  illu- 
minated with  snow  sunshine,  in  diversified  shades.  And 
then  I  think  of  my  dear  mother,  and  how  she  enjoyed  their 
characteristic  grandeur. 

"  Letters  pour  in  daily,  from  all  parts  of  England,  con- 
doling with  us  in  our  great  loss.  My  mother  was  loved 
and  honoured  most  extensively.  Dear  woman  !  for  forty- 
seven  years  I  have  proved  thy  affection,  and  can  trace,  from 
earliest  infancy,  the  tokens  of  thy  worth.  May  I  follow 
thee  in  humility,  faith,  and  love  ;  and  cherish  thy  memory 
with  gratitude  and  honour ! 

^'^So  prays  your  affectionate  father^ 

"  Leuh  Richmond." 

Thus  had  Mr.  Richmond  the  delightful  consolation  of 
knowing  that  both  his  parents  departed  in  the  hope  and 
peace  of  the  Gospel.  Happy  is  it  when  the  bonds  of  na- 
ture are  knit  more  closely  by  those  of  grace ! — when  the 
child  and  the  parent  arc  partakers  of  the  same  Christian 
hope,  running  the  same  race,  and  looking  forward  to  thr 
same  eternal  rest  and  glorj-  ! 

"  Oh  •  what  is  death  ?  'Tis  life's  last  shore, 
Where  vanities  are  vain  no  more  ! 
Where  all  pursuits  their  goal  obtain, 
And  life  is  all  retouched  again  : 
Where,  in  their  bright  results,  shall  rise 
Thoughts,  virtues,  friendships,  griefs^  and  joys," 


34S  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 


CHAPTER  XTV. 

Letter,  and  copy  of  verses, — Extracts  from  Diary, —  Tours 
to  Scotland, — lona, — Letters  ;  friendly,  family,  and  pas- 
toral,— Memoir  of  Miss  Sinclair. 

Mr  Richmond,  in-  his  northern  tours  for  the  religious 
societies,  often  visited  Scotland.  On  one  of  these  occa- 
sions, he  left  his  eldest  daughter  under  the  hospitable  roof 

of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  S ,  near  Glasgow,  with  whom  he  had 

formed  a  particular  intimacy.  But  whether  present  or  ab- 
sent, Mr.  Richmond  discovered  a  uniform  anxiety  for  his 
children.  Their  spiritual  welfare  lay  near  his  heart.  He 
often  wrote  to  them,  and  never  omitted  to  make  some  use- 
ful reference  to  the  great  concerns  of  eternity. 

The  following  letter,  and  copy  of  verses  to  his  daughter^ 
exhibit  a  model  of  parental  eare  and  affection  : — 

» 

«  Dear  Mary, 

"  I  Avrote  to  you  on  my  own  birthday,  and  now  I  do  the 
same  on  yours.  '  There  is  a  time  to  be  born,  and  a  time 
to  die.'  So  says  Solomon  ;  and  it  is  the  memento  of  a 
truly  wise  man.  But  I  may  add,  there  is  an  interval  be- 
tween these  two  times,  of  infinite  importance. 

'*  Does  my  beloved  child  duly  appreciate  this  ?  Not  all 
the  charms  of  nature,  either  Scottish  or  English,  can  for  a 
moment  compare  with  those  of  grace  :  and  when  can  wo 
better  contemplate  the  real  value  of  life,  the  vanity  of  the 
world,  the  w^orth  of  a  soul,  and  the  need  of  a  Saviour,  than 
when  the  lapse  of  time  brings  round  the  anniversary  day  of 
our  birth  ?  It  seems  to  concentrate  all  the  experience  and 
feeling  of  past  days,  and  to  unite  them  with  the  anticipa- 
tions of  those  which  are  yet  to  come  :  it  speaks  to  youth 


REV.    LEOH    RICHMOND.  249 

and  age  alike,  and  summons  both  to  prayer  and  meditation. 
Soon  will  eternity  overwhelm  all  the  concerns  of  time,  but 
will  infallibly  take  its  character  from  tliem.  I  sincerely 
hope  that  you  are  systematically  improving  time,  with  a 
view  to -/A/z^.  eternity.  Your  opportunities  have  been  many 
and  valuable,  your  privileges  great, — may  every  ensuing 
day  prove  that  they  arc  not  lost  upon  you.  Religious  pa- 
rentage and  social  connexions  alone  cannot  save  :  personal 
religion  in  the  heart  is  every  thing.  Our  dear  friend  Mrs. 
S — - —  appears  to  have  it  in  deed  and  in  truth.  Prize 
such  a  friend  ;  not  only  because  she  is  kind  and  agreeable, 
and  worthy,  but  because  she  is  a  child  of  God,  a  member 
of  Christ,  and  an  inheritor  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  and 
as  sucht  may  be  the  ordained  instrument  of  God,  for  esta- 
blishing the  same  principle  in  you.  Think  of  us  all  ;  not 
for  the  mere  love's  sake  of  earthly  kindred,  but  for  the  love 
of  Jesus,  as  connected  with  the  family  of  heaven.  This 
alone  gives  to  charity  itself  its  value. 

*•  Farewell,  my  dear  child  ;.  and  while  you  pray  for  your- 
self, forget  not 

"  Your  affectionate  father, 

Leoh  Richmond." 


ADDRESSED  TO  MISS  RICHMOND, 

ACCOMPANIED  BY  A  LOCKET  OP   DERRYSHIRE  FLUOR  SPAR,  IN 
THE  FORM  OF  A  HEART. 

Here  I  offer  my  daughter  a  heart  without  sin, 
That  knows  nought  of  corruption  and  sorrow  within ! 
A  heart  which  you  see  is  so  curiously  wrought, 
That  it  ne'er  can  offend — not  so  much  as  in  thought  \ 

That  its  virtues  are  shining  within  and  without. 
It  a  truth  which  admits  of  no  rational  doubt ; 
Its  character.  Mary,  is  pure  and  sincere  ; 
And  it«  inmost  ideas  transparent  end  clear. 


^0  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

'Tis  a  heart  that  will  bear  the  minutest  inspection^ 
And  never  prove  guilty  of  any  deception  ; 
What  it  was,  that  it  is — what  it  is,  it  will  be — 
Unconscious  of  guile  or  to  you  or  to  me. 

It  may  seem  to  be  strange — nay,  it  is  so  I  own — 
That  this  heart,  though  so  ()ure,  is  as  hard  as  a  stone ; 
It  resists  all  impressions  whu;h  tftnderness  makes  ; 
But  if  force  be  employed,  it  immediately  breaks. 

And  this  heart,  if  once  broken,  can  never  be  healed, 
]Nor  the  least  of  its  wounds  be  a  moment  concealed  : 
And  though  stony  its  texture,  and  hard  be  its  nature, 
Like  yourself,  this  poor  heart  is  a  delicate  creature. 

Then  make  use  of  the  emblem  you  wear  at  your  breast : 
With  "the  hearts  that  are  pure,"*  do  you  seek  to  be  blest 
Weep  and  mourn  for  a  nat"re  by  sin  so  deranged, 
And  pray  for  a  heart  that's  essentially  changed. 

May  the   "stone"  in  your  heart,  be  removed  far  away, 
And  the  softened  affections  alone  bear  the  sway  ! 
They  will  lead  you  to  Jesus  with  penitent  sighs, 
Till  the  Sun  of  his  Righteousness  sweetly  arise. 

May  graces  resplendent  as  those  of  the  stone. 

Both  within  and  without,  be  tor  ever  your  own  ! 

Let  your  heart  be  transparent,  wherever  you  are. 

And  your  conduct  will  shine  lar  more  clear  than  the  spar. 

But  should  you  offend,  and  for  sm  be  heart-broken, 
Behold  on  the  cross  there  is  Mercy's  bright  token  ! 
The  heart  that  is  contrite  God  will  not  despise,— 
The  heart  that  is  broken,  is  dear  in  his  eyes 

Christ's  love  has  no  limit,  then  give  Him  thy  heart, — 
In  the  deed  shall  His  spirit  free  comfort  impart : — 
So  the  heart  of  the  Saviour,  allied  close  to  thine, 
In  a  glorious  unity  ever  will  shine. 

L.  R. 

*  Matt.  V.  8. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  251 

Wc  regret  that  the  limits  of  this  memoir  will  not  allow 
lis  to  lay  before  our  readers  copious  extracts  from  Mr. 
Richmond's  journals  of  his  tours  in  Scotland.  He  adverts 
to  them  at  all  times  with  grateful  recollection  :  they  form 
an  interesting  part  of  his  public  jife,  and  indeed  led  to  an 
important  event  in  his  family.  We  insert  the  following 
extract,  principally  with  a  view  to  ^how  our  friend's  opi- 
nion of  all  institutions  which  professedly  exclude  religion 
from  their  operations. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  DIARY. 

"  July  2 1 .  Set  out  for  Biggar.  Held  a  meeting  for 
Hebrew  Testament.  Collected  $bZ  93  Felt  much  re- 
spect for  the  memory  of  the  well  known  John  Brown  of 
Haddington,  while  I  was  in  the  house  of  his  grandson,  and 
among  his  great  grandchildren. 

"  JuZy  22.  Went  to  see  New  Lanark  and  the  Clyde 
Falls  :  Mr.  Owen  accompanied  us.  Nothing  could  exceed 
the  beauty  of  the  scene.  Saw  the  whole  of  the  mills  and 
machinery.  Dined,  and  had  much  conversation  with  Mr. 
Owen  on  all  his  plans.     They  want  a  religious  basis. 

"  July  23.  Sermon  at  church.  Went  at  four  to  Mr. 
Owen's  school-room,  and  addressed  the  whole  institution, 
from  Job  xxii.  21.  Fine  sight.  In  the  evening,  held  a 
meeting  at  Lanark  church  for  Hebrew  Testament.  Two 
tliousand  people — grand  spectacle. 

"  July  24.  Breakfasted  with  Mr.  Owen.  Conversed 
again  on  his  new  plan.  Went  to  the  school :  saw 
the  children  go  throuL'h  all  their  various  classes.  The 
dancing  may  be  pretty  for  children,  but  unquestionably 
leads  to  much  evil  among  the  adults.  Many  things  arc 
very  interesting  here,  but  require  close  investigation.  Visi- 
ted the  fall  of  the  Clyde — very  superb  indeed.  Read,  as 
f  travelled  on,  Mr.  Owen's  manuscript.  Some  clever  ideas 
of  economical  arrangement ;  but  it  must  fail,  as  it  now 
stands.  There  h  no  Christ  in  his  scheme,  and  it  cannol 
prosper. 


*252  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

"  July  30.  Paisley.  Preached  in  the  morning,  from 
Rom.  X.  11.  Collected  ^46  98.  Addressed  in  the  eve- 
ning 3,000  people,  including  1,500  children  and  young 
people.     I  bless  God  for  all  his  goodness. 

^' July  31.  Glasgow.  Met  Dr.  C.  Interesting  and 
most  profitable  conversation,  on  plans  for  parochial  visita- 
tion, intercourse  and  "reform. 

"  Aug.  3.  In  the  course  of  the  last  three  days,  have 
seen  some  of  the  finest  specimens  of  clouds  rolling  over 
hills  in  every  shape  and  manner.  Also  grand  combina- 
tions of  sea,  island  and  mountain  beauty.  O,  for  a  heart 
to  feel  and  acknowledge  God's  protecting  mercies  ! 

"  Aug.  1 3.  Aros.  Prayed  earnestly  for  all  my  family, 
and  my  parish.  • 


From  Aros,  island  of  Mull,  Mr.  Richmond  wrote  a  let- 
ter to  his  son  Wiiberforce,  and  in  the  course  of  his  journey 
another  to  Mrs.  Richmond,  both  of  which  are  here  in- 
serted. 

"  How  little  idea  can  my  son  form  of  the  scenes  with 
which  his  father  is  surrounded,  among  these  Highlands 
and  islands  of  the  North.  It  is  like  being  in  another  world. 
In  some  of  these  remote  islands,  where  the  Gaelic  lan- 
guage is  chiefly  spoken  (though  not  to  the  exclusion  of  the 
English.)  where  different  manners,  dress,  habits,  dwellings, 
&:.c.  prevail,-— 


it  seems  difficult  to  conceive  that  it  is  still  Britain.  I  am 
now  on  my  way  for  Staffa  and  lona,  but  whether  the 
weather  will  be  fine  enough  to  allow  of  my  projected  ex- 
cursion, remains  a  doubt ;  you  shall  know  before  this  letter 
is  concluded.  I  propose  this  evening  to  gather  a  little 
company  of  Highland  cotters,  and  to  preach  to  them  in  a 
wild  glen,  in  this  romantic  island.     The  parish  church  is 


BEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  253^ 

fifteen  miles  distant.  Yesterday  I  came  from  Oban, 
which  is  thirty-five  miles  by  sea  from  this  place  ;  but  owing 
to  the  wind  being  in  the  wrong  direction,  we  made  tacks 
amounting  to  one  hundred  miles,  before  we  got  into  this 
little  peaceful  spot.  This  is  a  little  inn — before  it,  in  one 
direction,  is  the  sea,  and  beyond,  a  vast  range  of  mountains, 
called  Morven,  in  Argyloshire  ;  in  another  direction,  about 
half  a  mile  off,  is  a  ruined  castle,  standing  on  a  bold  knoll 
and  rock,  washed  by  the  waves.  On  our  right  hand  are 
the  hills  of  the  Isle  of  Mull,  covered  with  heath  and  cot- 
tages. Before  the  door  runs  a  salmon  stream,  rattling  over 
stones  :  above  thirty  people  were  yesterday  fishing  and 
harpooning  for  salmon,  fifty  of  them  weighed  from  four  to 
twenty-five  pounds  each.  Dozens  of  children  wade  in  the 
river  to  catch  eels,  talking  Gaelic  with  much  vociferation 
and  alacrity. 

"  I  think,  in  our  voyage  yesterday,  I  saw  twenty  ruined 
castles,  and  three  inhabited  ones,  and  above  twenty-five  of 
the  islands  of  the  Hebrides.  The  intelligent  boatmen  tell 
you  all  manner  of  ancient  legends  and  histories  connected 
with  them  and  their  ancient  masters.  They  carry  you 
back  into  the  days  of  Norwegian,  Danish  and  Irish  story. 
I  saw  the  spot  where  a  part  of  the  Spanish  Armada  was 
wrecked  ;  and  a  gun  still  remains  on  a  rock,  belonging  to 
one  of  the  Spanish  ships.  It  is  on  the  main-land  shore, 
opposite  to  the  Isle  of  Mull.  This  is  the  grand  scene  of 
all  Ossian's  descriptions,  and  corresponds  exactly  witli 
them.  All  the  ruins  are  finely  covered  with  ivy,  and  so 
are  the  rocks. 

"  We  have  bad  much  rain,  and  the  mountain  torrents 
run  grandly  down  their  sides.  I  think  on  Thursday  we 
counted  360  cascades,  in  a  morning  ride  ;  some  of  them 
gigantic.  1  remember  seeing  twenty-nine  at  one  view. 
The  wild  magnificence  of  Highland  scenery  cannot  easily 
be  conceived.  Parties  of  ladies  are  among  the  visitants, 
and  in  some  places  they  cheerfully  submit  to  many  priva- 
tions for  the  sake  of  the  prospects.  I  go  into  the  cottages, 
and  sit  down  with  the  poor  people,  and  talk  with  them  on 
23 


254  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

religious  subjects.     There  is  much  grateful  affection  about 
them. 

"  I  am  very  thankful  to  God  for  permitting  me  to  take 
this  round,  and  more  so  for  making  my  services  very  ac- 
ceptable, and  I  hope  useful.  The  tempest-beaten  glens, 
the  secluded  isles,  the  popuous  towns,  the  romantic  villages, 
all  in  their  turn  bear  witness  to.  the  declaration  of  <  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.'  I  have  a  truly  congenial  companion 
in  the  '  Clericus'  of  the  Christian  Guardian  ;  he  is  just 
what  I  want,  both  for  soul  and  body,  and  in  each  devotes 
himself  to  my  aid  and  comfort  most  assiduously.  Our  views, 
principles,  taste,  and  feehngs  strictly  accord.  He  is  a  stu- 
dent in  divinity  in  the  university  at  Edinburgh,  and  pre- 
paring for  the  Scotch  church.  T  left  Mary  with  Dr.  S. 
last  Tuesday,  she  will  soon  go  to  Edinburgh,  and  wait  till 
ray  return  from  the  North  of  Scotland.  1  shall  now  lay 
down  my  pen,  and  probably  not  resume  it  until  the  point 
is  decided,  to-morrow  or  next  day,  whether  the  rain  will 
allow  of  our  visiting  these  most  interesting  of  islands,  Staffa, 
and  lona.  The  latter  is  thirty  miles  from  hence  ;  the  for- 
mer twenty,  but  on  the  opposite  side. 

"  Aug.  18.  My  dear  boy,  I  have  seen  Staffa,  and  write 
this  from  lona.  What  I  shall  say,  I  know  not,  for  really 
I  can  say  nothing  as  I  ought.  When  I  entered  the  cave 
of  Fingal,  I  knew  not  whether  to  burst  out  into  one  un- 
ceasing cry  of  astonishment,  or  meditate  in  unbroken  si- 
lence of  overwhelming  wonder,  or  fall  down  upon  my  knees 
in  devout  adoration  of  Him  who  formed  such  a  scene  of 
subhme  beauty.  It  beggars  all  description.  This  was  on 
Wednesday  :  after  waiting  four  days  for  weather,  yesterday 
we  arrived  at  this  lonely  scene  of  ruin  and  curiosities,  and 
it  more  than  answers  all  my  expectations.  Think  of  all  we 
have  read  about  lona,  and  imagine  then  a  small  part  oi  my 
sensations." 

"  My  dear  Love, 

"  It  would  be  no  easy  task  to  describe  the  laborious 
t-ircuit  of  engagements  and  accompanying  solicitudes,  in 


BEV.  LEQH    RICHMOf^D.  255 

which  I  am  daily  engaged.  Next  week,  I  enter  the  depths 
of  the  Highlands,  and  so  far  north  :  if  all  be  well,  the  week 
after  next  I  shall  reach  Staffa,  the  isle  of  wonders  ;  and 
lona,  the  isle  of  caves  and  kings.  Amongst  the  spiritual 
mercies  I  have  this  week  met  with,  are  three  new  and  dis- 
tinct instances  of  the  conversions  and  happy  deaths  of 
children  in  Glasgow,  Paisley,  and  Greenock  ;  two,  through 
'Little  Jane.'  The  wide  dispersion  of,  and  impression 
connected  with  these  tracts  in  Scotland  is  scarcely  credible. 
I  have,  in  this  respect,  seen  far  beyond  *  the  travail  of  my 
soul.*  When  I  reflect  upon  the  simplicity  of  their  origin, 
and  the  little  idea  entertained  of  their  ever  going  beyond 
the  limited  circulation  of  the  Christian  Guardian,  I  am 
sometimes  lost  in  wonder  at  the  history  of  the  publication. 
Surely,  we  may  unitedly  praise  God  for  his  unspeakable 
mercy  to  us,  in  this  one  unexampled  instance. 

"  This  situation  is  very  lovely  ;  near  it  stands  the  seat 
of  Lord  Blantyre,  Mrs.  Stewart's  brother.  Close  by,  flows 
the  magnificent  river  Clyde,  widening  gradually,  from  two 
hundred  yards  to  three  miles  in  bieadth.  Highly  culti- 
vated scenery  is  backed  by  stupendous  groups  of  vast  High- 
land mountains,  forming  the  very  first  class  of  landscape. 
Ruined  castles,  elegant  mansions,  sea-port  towns,  woodsi 
rocks,  promontories,  boats,  ships,  banks,  succeed  eacn 
other.  Ben  Lomond  is  seen  in  all  his  ponderous  grandeur, 
and  so  is  Benledi.  The  whole  neighbouring  scenery  is  in- 
deed very  fine. 

Mr.  Richmond  visited  the  island  of  Tona  twice  ;  he 
found  there  neither  temple  nor  ordinances  of  religious 
worship,  except  in  the  occasional  visits  of  a  Scotch  minis- 
ter from  an  adjacent  island  ;  and  the  appointment  of  a 
schoolmaster,  without  salary,  who  assembled  the  children 
in  a  rude  building. 

From  lona,  Mr.  Richmond  visited  Staflfa.  Wo  extract 
a  few  memoranda  from  his  Diary,  written  at  this  time. 

"  Aug.  19.  Set  off  for  a  second  view  of  Staffa.  Wo 
look  the  good  schoolmaster  and  his  wife  with  us.     N« 


•2o6  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

words  can  describe  the  whole  :  we  had  the  afternoon  3uii 
upon  all  the  most  striking  features  of  this  magnificent 
grou}).  The  water  was  so  calm  that  we  went  into  thr 
great  cave  in  the  boat,  and  thus  obtained  the  finest  vie^v 
possible.     We  sang  a  hymn  ;  it  was  sweetly  echoed 

"  Conversation  this  day  in  the  boat  very  interesting. 
Returned  to  lona  at  eight  o'clock.  Drank  tea  with  the 
good  schoolmaster." 

"  Aug.  20. — Sunday.  Willy's  birth-day  ;  God  bles?* 
liim  !  Went  at  eleven  to  the  school-house,  and  gave  a  ser- 
vice. I  preached  to  a  large  company  of  these  poor  loni- 
ans,  from  2  Cor.  v.  Then  I  went  and  passed  two  hours 
alone,  amid  the  ruins  and  graves.  Had  solemn  and  peace- 
ful meditations ! 

"  At  four,  gave  another  service,  preaching  from  Luke 
}LXiv.  47.  At  half  past  six,  gave  a  third,  chiefly  to  the 
children.  The  last,  by  the  schoolmaster  interpreting  in 
Gaelic,  sentence  by  sentence.  It  was  sin  interesting  expe- 
riment ;  he  prayed,  read,  and  sang  in  Gaehc. 

"  Passed  a  most  comfortable  evening,  in  conversation 
with  these  worthy  lonians.  Surely,  I  have  learned  much 
here  !  A  day  to  be  remembered.  I  hope  to  raise  a  sufii- 
cient  subscription  to  build  a  new  school-house  for  lona. 

"  Moon  setting.  Stars  most  bright  at  eleven.  All  re- 
flected on  the  ocean,  on  the  ruins,  and  from  the  hills  and 
«rocks." 

It  will  excite  no  surprise,  that  a  man  of  Mr.  Richmond's 
|)iety  and  taste  should  avail  himself  of  this  opportunity  to 
visit  the  once  celebrated  island  of  lona,  one  of  the  He- 
brides, lona  now  contains  only  one  village,  with  mean 
^ouseSi  and  about  400  inhabitants.  It  is  the  most  noted 
place  of  Caledonian  antiquity*  It  was  formerly  the  seat 
of  the  Druids,  some  of  whose  sepulchral  remains  are  still 
extant.     Christianity  was  introduced  into  this  island  by  St. 

*  We  refer  the  reader  to  Pennant's  Tour  througfh  Scotland,  au^ 
Johnson's  Tour  to  the  Hebrides,  for  further  information. 


REV.    LEGH    BICHMOSD.  357 

Columba,  after  whom  it  was  called  I-colum-kill,  or  Co* 
lumba's  Cell.  St.  Columba  came  from  Ireland  to  lonaj 
in  the  sixth  century,  accompanied  by  twelve  disciple^j 
through  whose  missionary  labours  the  greater  part  ot" 
Scotland  was  converted  to  the  Christian  faith.  The  col- 
lege, founded  by  St.  Columba,  was  the  seat  and  centre  of 
literature  and  piety  ;  and,  from  hence,  these  blessings 
were  diffused,  not  only  over  the  British  islands,  but  through* 
out  a  great  part  of  Europe.  The  ruins  of  these  ancient 
edifices  still  remain  as  memorials  of  the  apostolical  labours 
of  Columba,  his  associates,  and  successors.  lona  is  the 
burial  place  of  forty- eight  Scotch  crowned  heads,  four 
Irish  kings,  eight  Norwegian  princes,  or  viceroys,  of  the 
island,  and  a  multitude  of  nobility  and  religious  orders. — 
It  had,  also,  360  crosses,  which  were  all  destroyed,  except 
one,  at  the  Reformation.  The  ruin  of  the  once  splendid 
cathedral  cannot  fail  to  interest  the  traveller,  and  to  excite 
the  deepest  emotion  in  the  heart  of  the  Christian. 
From  lona,  he  wrote  to  Mrs.  Richmond  : 

"  I  am  persuaded,  that  my  dearest  Mary  will  not  only 
allow  me  to  express  the  strong  sensations  of  my  own 
heart,  as  connected  with  the  remote  and  magnificent 
scenes  in  which  a  kind  Providence  is  at  present  placing 
me,  but  will  sympathize  and  share  them  with  me.  Had  I 
not  sent  off  a  letter  two  days  since  to  Wilberforce,  I  would 
on  this  day  have  written  to  him,  as  it  is  his  birth-day ; 
which  has  been  the  subject  of  my  early  and  earnest  morn- 
ing prayer,  on  a  Sabbath  spent  in  this  extraordinary  and 
interesting  island.  You  are  not  altogether  unaware  of  the 
peculiar  feelings  and  wishes  which,  for  many  years,  I  have 
cherished  in  regard  to  these  islands  ;  and  now,  the  desire 
has  been  fully  answered.  You  can  form  little  idea  of  the 
characteristics  of  every  thing  and  every  body  around  me. 
The  novelty,  simplicity,  singularity,  the  tout  ensemble  is 
ndescribable.  I  have  been  obliged  to  wait  a  whole  week 
or  suitable  weather,  and  almost  despaired  of  success,  but 
23* 


2o8  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

f  regret  it  not  now.  *  God  waits  upon  the  waiters,'  and 
we  experience  it.  No  one  can  visit  these  islands,  without 
allotting  from  a  week  to  a  fortnight  of  disposable  time  for 
the  purpose.  You  have  seen  my  prints  of  Staffa ;  but 
you  have  not  seen  tiiem  large  and  solid  as  the  original. 
The  sublimity,  beauty,  magnificence,  singularities,  wild- 
ness,  and  overwhelming  influence  of  the  whole,  quite  stop 
•my  pen,  and  my  breath,  when  I  attempt  either  to  write  or 
speak  on  the  subject.  I  have  made  two  separate  visits  to 
Staffa,  and  seen  it  within  and  without,  with  every  possible 
advantage.  My  travelling  friend,  Mr.  P.,  is  of  a  truly 
congenial  mind,  and  we  have  mutual  pleasure  in  using  the 
scenes  of  nature  as  means  of  grace. 

lona  is  delightful  in  another  way.  Here,  amid  the  ruins 
of  ancient  grandeur,  piety,  and  literature,  surrounded  by 
the  graves,  and  mouldering  grave-stones  of  kings,  chief- 
tains, lords  of  the  isles,  bishops,  priests,  abbesses,  nuns, 
and  friars  ;  the  scene  decorated  with  the  fine  and  romantic 
remains  of  cathedral,  colleges,  nunnery,  chapels  and  ora- 
tories, with  views  of  islands,  seas,  rocks,  mountains,  in- 
terspersed with  the  humble  huts  of  these  poor  islanders  ; — 
I  am  just  preparing  to  preach  to  as  many  of  them  as  can 
understand  English,  in  the  open  air.  A  rock  my  pulpit, 
and  heaven  my  sounding-board  ;  may  the  echo  resound  to 
their  hearts.  In  the  evening,  1  expect  to  preach  by  a 
Gaelic  interpreter,  to  the  whole  company  of  islanders, 
sentence  after  sentence  being  translated  as  I  utter  them. 
I  trust  I  am  following  up  the  spiritual  example  and  wishes 
of  my  friend  C,  and  that  some  good  will  result  from  this 
visit.  This  will  more  than  repay  the  delay  occasioned  in 
my  journey,  by  this  most  interesting  excursion  to  the  He- 
brides. It  will  somewhat  lengthen  my  journey  and  time  ; 
but  I  feel  a  persuasion,  that  my  own  soul  and.  those  of 
others  are  to  profit  by  it.  Join  your  prayers  to  mine,  that 
it  may  be  so. 

*'  Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  given  three  services, 
under  circumstances  most  interesting  and  novel,  to  these 
j»oor  islanders  of  Icolumbkill.     The  last  by  a  Gaelic  inter- 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND. 

preter,  who  translated  every  sentence,  after  I  had  delivered 
it  in  English.  I  passed  near  two  hours  alone,  amid  the 
ruins  and  graves  of  the  cathedral  It  was  a  most  solemn 
and  peaceful  meditation  :  and  here,  you  may  tell  Willy  I 
knelt  down  upon  the  graves  of  ancient  monarchs,  mould- 
ering in  the  dust,  and  prayed  God  to  "  remember  him  for 
good  ;"  to  make  him  a  holy  and  happy  being,  both  in  time 
and  eternity.  I  asked  of  the  Lord,  that  my  child  might 
share  in  the  Christian  privileges,  character,  and  literature 
of  the  once  renowned  Christian  divines  of  lona,  the  mis- 
sionaries and  theologians  of  a  primitive  period,  on  whoso 
ashes  I  was  treading  ;  I  prayed  that  if  (and  only  if)  his 
heart  were  rightly  directed,  God  would  make  him  a  minister 
of  Christ's  church  on  earth  ;  but  that  he  might  never  enter 
on  the  sacred  office,  if  likely  to  be  a  careless,  carnal,  un- 
converted servant  of  the  sanctuary.  My  heart  was  full  of 
holy  freedom,  as  I  offered  up  a  father's  petition  on  the 
birthday  of  my  child." 

"  My  dear  Boy, 

*      •       ♦  *  *  *  * 

*•  It  is  high  time  that  you  and  I  should  communicate 
frequently,  intimately,  and  confidentially.     If  this  is  not  to 
be  expected  by  the  time  you  have  arrived  at  fifteen,  when 
is  it  to  be  looked  for  ?     On  one  account,  I  have  more  soli- 
citude, and  even  dread,  on  your  behalf,  than  for  any  of  my 
children.     Earnestly  as  I  should  wish  a  son  of  mine  to  be  a 
minister,  yet  I  tremble  at  the  idea  of  educating  and  devo 
ting  a  son  to  the  sacred  profession,  without  a  previous  sa 
tisfactory  evidence  that  his  own  soul  was  right  with  God 
Without  this,  you  and  I  should  be  guilty  of  a  most  awfu 
an  in  liis  sight.     To  any,  and  every  other  good  profession 
trade,  or  occupation,  it  may  be  lawful  and  expedient  to  fix 
with  some  degree  of  determination,  long  before  the  enter- 
ing on  it ;  but  the  ministry  is  an  exception.     Even  St. 
Paul  himself  trembles,    "  lest,  when  I  have  preached  to 
others,  I  myself  should  be  a  cast-away."     I  consider  per- 
sonal religion,  accompanied  and  evidenced  by  personal  con- 


260  JIEMOiaS  OF  THE 

duct,  to  be  indispensable  in  the  individual,  before  either  ho; 
or  another  for  him,  fixes  on  the  ministry  for  his  profession. 
And  I  will  not  hesitate  to  say  to  you,  that,  honoured  and 
happy  as  I  should  feel  in  being  permitted  to  see  you  a  faith- 
ful preacher  of  righteousness,  adorning  the  Gospel  which 
you  would  proclaim  to  others  ; — yet  without  this,  I  would 
rather  a  thousand  times  see  you  a  mason,  or  in  the  humblest 
capacity  in  life.  I  know  what  the  office  is  ;  and  a  penitent 
sense  of  my  own  deficiencies,  teaches  me  to  be  fearful,  and 
to  tremble  for  those  of  others :  how  much  more  so  in  the 
case  of  a  child  ? 

"  The  national  church  groans  and  bleeds,  *  from  the 
crown  of  its  head  to  the  sole  of  its  feet,'  through  the  daily 
intrusion  of  unworthy  men  into  its  ministry.  Patrons,  pa- 
rents, tutors,  colleges,  are  annually  pouring  a  torrent  of 
incompetent  youths  into  the  church,  and  loading  the  nation 
with  spiritual  guilt.  Hence,  souls  are  neglected  and  ruined 
— bigotry  and  ignorance  prevail — church  pride  triumphs 
over  church  godliness — and  the  establishment  is  despised, 
deserted,  and  wounded.  Shall  you  and  I  deepen  these 
wounds  ? — shall  we  add  one  more  unit  to  the  numbers  of 
the  unworthy  and  traitorous  watchmen  on  the  towers  of 
our  British  Jerusalem  ?  God  forbid  !  But,  to  avoid  so  sad 
a  departure  from  every  principle  of  sacred  order  and  con^ 
science,  you  must  become  a  humble,  seriously-minded., 
consistent  young  disciple  of  Christ :  a  diligent  student,  an 
obedient  son,  a  loving  brother,  a  grateful  worshipper,  a 
simple-hearted  Christian.  And  /  must  feel  comfortably 
satisfied  that  you  are  so  ;  or  with  what  conscience,  witlj 
what  hope,  with  what  satisfaction,  with  what  peace  of 
mind,  can  I  consent  to  devote  you  to  the  most  sacred,  the 
most  important,  the  most  responsible  of  all  offices  within 
the  compass  of  human  existence  ? 

"  Now,  I  will  not,  and  ought  not  to  conceal  from  you, 
that,  however  accustomed  we  may  all  have  been  to  talk  of 
you  as  a  future  clergyman,  I  dare  not  decide  upon  any 
such  plan  without  a  much  more  clear  evidence  than  I  have 
yet  seen,  that  your  actual  state  of  feelings  and  conduct. 


REV.  LEOH    RICHMOND.  261 

temper  and  conversation,  habitual  and  permanent  thoughts, 
are  such  as  will  justify  me  in  coming  to  so  solemn  a  deter- 
mination on  my  own  part 

«  I  say  this  with  anxiety,  and  write  it  with  fear,  as  my 
pen  proceeds  :  but  1  say  it  with  earnest  prayers  for  the 
real  conversion  of  your  soul  to  God,  and  with  some  hope 
that  He  will  hear  the  petitions  which  I  have  offered  up  for 
you,  through  many  a  long  year.  I  still  repeat  it,  that  I 
never  can  consent  to  put  my  seal  to  \he  question  of  the 
ministry,  unless,  and  until  I  have  some  satisfactory  proof  of 
Tour  heart  being  turned  to  God,  in  holy  consistency  and 
permanence  of  character. 

**  Let  these  pages  be  a  testimony  before  God — and  keep 
them  as  a  sign  between  you  and  me — that  I  am  inearnest^ 
as  to  a  subject  where  indifference  would  be  sin 

"  I  have  long  been  studying  your  character  in  the  hourly 
events  of  each  day,  in  immediate  reference  to  this  point, 
♦  *  *  Remember,  *  they  that  are 

Christ's  have  crucified  the  flesh,  with  its  affections  and 
lusts  :'  crucify  yours.  Pursue  your  studies  with  diligence  : 
you  may  do  great  things  for  yourself,  even  without  help — 
although  I  grant,  much  better  with  it.  But  '  work  while 
it  is  day  ;  the  night  comejth,  when  no  man  can  work.* 
**  Believe  me  your  affectionate  father, 

L.  R." 

Wc  have  already  noticed  the  cheerful  character  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  piety.  The  kindness  of  his  heart  inspired  an 
exquisite  satisfaction  in  imparting  pleasure.  It  seemed  to 
be  his  constant  aim  ♦♦  to  instruct  by  pleasing  ;"  and  he  en- 
tered into  every  innocent  feeling  of  children,  and  readily 
shared  their  recreations.  The  school  at  lona  particularly 
interested  him  ;  and  he  soon  gained  on  the  childrens'  af- 
fections, who  listened  to  his  instructions  with  confiding 
simplicity.  Before  he  quitted  lona,  he  rewarded  their  dili- 
gent attendance  with  a  public  entertainment.  The  best 
sheep  to  be  found  in  the  island  was  purchased  for  the  vast 
.sum  of  six  shillings.     But  a  difficulty  arose  on  the  occa- 


5262  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

sion, — there  was  fuel  to  roast  the  creature,  bgt  the  whole 
domain  could  not  supply  the  neoessary  apparatus  for  its 
dissection.  The  children  assembled  on  the  shore,  and 
picked  up  shells,  to  answer  the  purpose  of  knives  and 
forks. 

How  interesting  a  scene !  Two  hundred  children  and 
their  parents,  assembled  on  the  sea-shore, — every  counte- 
nance beaming  with  delight  !  The  hearts  of  the  guests 
might  be  full  of  joy,  in  the  noveity  of  amusement,  and  in 
the  hospitality  of  their  benefactor  ;  but  the  master  of  the 
feast,  amidst  the  wreck  of  greatness,  the  tombs  of  the 
mighty  dead,  and  the  anticipation  of  the  revival  of  former 
piety  among  these  remote  islanders,  would  taste  the  higher 
luxury  of  doing  good. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  festivity,  all  sung  the  following 
hymn,  which  Mr.  Richmond,  in  the  glow  of  his  benevo- 
lent feelings,  had  composed,  and  which  was  interpreted  by 
the  school-master : — 

^'  Thou  God  of  all  grace !     O  omnipotent  Lord, 
Fill  our  hearts  with  the  power  of  thy  soul-saving  vrord  J . 
Have  mercy,  Jehovah  !  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icoluuikill ! 

^^  Thy  Spirit  came  once  on  the  wings  of  a  *  dove,' 
And  proved  to  our  fathers  how  j;reat  was  thy  love  : 
Have  mercy  again,  Lord  !  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill .! 

*'  When  idolatrous  Druids  polluted  the  land. 
To  banish  them  hence,  Thou  didst  stretch  forth  thy  hand; 
Thou  art  still  the  same  Lord ;  and  oh  !  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill ! 

V'  On  Thee  all  our  hope,  in  our  poverty,  stays — 
Revive,  Lord,  thy  work,  in  the  midst  of  the  days  : 
W©  will  trust  thee,  O  Lord  !  that  it  shall  be  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill ! 

'>  Though  remote  be  our  dwelling,  and  humble  our  lot-, 
Yet  our  God  has  a  blessing  for  each  little  cot. 
Have  mercy,  dear  Saviour !  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill. 


EEV.  LE6H    RICHMOND.  2(53 

'*  May  our  hearts  feel  the  power  of  the  blood  that  was  shed, 
When  Christ  on  the  cros»  for  our  sins  *■  bowed  his  head  :^ 
May  that  bloo<3  be  our  trust ;  and  oh  !  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill ! 

"  Bless  our  parents  and  teachers ;  and  make  it  their  joy 
In  seeking  our  welfare  their  time  to  employ  : 
Oh  I  bless  their  instructions ;  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill ! 

•'  Now  hear  our  petition,  O  God  of  the  Isles  I 
That  we  all  may  partake  of  thy  heavenly  smiles  : 
In  life  and  in  death  be  thou  merciful  still. 
And  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill ! 

^*  And  at  the  last  day,  when  our  bodies  shall  rise. 
To  behold  the  great  Saviour  and  Judge  in  the  skies — 
Then  let  it  be  known  that  it  was  thy  good  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumkill !" 

Mr.  Richmond,  during  his  residence  at  lona,  frequently 
preached  in  the  school-house.  On  one  of  these  occasions, 
he  adverted  to  the  Jewish  mission.  The  hum  of  the  chil- 
dren was  heard,  "  We  will  give,  we  will  give !"  Some 
persons  present  attempted  to  check  their  zeal,  and  keep 
silence,  but  all  voices  were  raised  in  reply — "  The  bairns 
will  liave  it — the  bairns  will  have  it  I"  meaning  the  chil- 
dren tcould  make  a  collection  :  and  they  presented  to  our 
friend  the  sum  of  J 10  86.*  If  not  all  their  living,  yet  a 
magnificent  offering  to  Him  whose  grace  had  touched 
their  hearts  and  inspired  their  zeal.  Of  these  poor  island- 
ers it  might  be  truly  said,  **  Their  deep  poverty  abounded 
imto  the  riches  of  their  liberality."  • 

The  impression  made  on  the  people  of  lona  by  Mr. 
Richmond's  visit,  appears  from  the  following  anecdote. 
He  had  hired  a  boat  and  two  sailors,  to  take  him  to  Fin- 
gal's  cave,  a  place  of  great  curiosity,  and  of  which  he 

*  This  teems  a  large  sum  for  lona,  but  we  have  the  authority  of 
Mr.  Richmond's  journal  for  the  fact;  where  it  is  also  stated,  that 
he  repeatedly  declined  accepting  the  boon,  but  the  islanders  forced 
it  upon  him,  as  a  teitimooy  of  their  regard  to  him  and  to  hiacaose. 


264  HEHoias  OF  the 

never  spoke  without  the  deepest  emotion.  On  his  return, 
he  asked  the  boatmen  what  he  had  to  pay  them.  But  they 
would  take  nothing  ;  and  though  he  urged  them  to  name 
their  charge,  they  firmly  persisted  in  their  refusal ;  looking 
at  him  with  tears  m  their  eyes — ♦'  No,  no,  no,  sir.  Loye 
has  brought  you  to  lona,  and.  love  shall  find  you  a  boat." 

Mr.  Richmond  before  he  quitted  this  interesting  scene 
of  his  labours,  addressed  the  children  :  about  200  of  whom 
were  present.  The  master  desired  that  as  many  as  wished 
to  thank  their  benefactor  for  his  kindness  to  them,  would 
lift  up  their  hands.  All  raised  their  hands  above  their  heads. 
"  Is  this  from  your  hearts  ?"  said  the  master.  Instantly 
one  hand  was  laid  on  their  hearts,  the  other  remaining  up  : 
"  and  in  this  posture>"  says  Mr.  Richmond,  in  his  jour- 
nal, "  the  dear  children  stood,  while  I  gave  them  a  part- 
ing blessing.     It  was  a  most  touching  sight." 

He  left  lona  amidst  the  tears  of  its  population,  nearly  the 
whole  of  wh9m  attended  him  to  the  sea-shore,  with  the  most 
lively  demonstrations  of  gratitude  and  love. 

"  Farewell,  dear,  interesting  lona.  May  I  think  much 
and  profitably  on  my  visit,  and  on  what  I  saw  and  enjoyed 
there." 

Before  he  quitted  the  island  our  friend  had  formed  a 
plan  for  raising,  by  subscription,  the  means  of  building  a 
new  school-house,  and  providing  a  permanent  salary  for 
the  master. 

With  a  view  to  prepare  his  Scotch  friends  for  the  de- 
sign, he  wrote  to  his  daughter  Mary,  whom  he  left  at  Edin- 
burgh. 

"  My  dear  Mary, 

•  "  Nothing  ever  equalled  Staffa  in  one  point  of  view, 
or  lona  in  another  :  no  words  of  mine  will  ever  reach  or 
approach  what  I  should  wish  to  say ;  but  I  thank  God  for 
what  I  have  seen. 

*'  Tell  our  good  friends,  that  my  anxiety  to  promote  the 
welfare  of  the  poor  islanders  of  lona,  has  led  me  to  under- 
take the  raising  a  subscription  to  build  a  school-room ; 


REV.    LEGU'RICHMOND. 

which,  with  the  aid  of  the  schoolmaster,  of  most  true  and 
crodly  simplicity,  will  be  of  essential  benefit  to  the  place. 
About  ^400  will  be  wanted,  and  I  sincerely  hope  to  suc- 
ceed m  raising  it.  I  have  spent  three  days  and  a  sabbath 
among  them.  I  preached  thrice  there :  the  opportunity 
was  dehghtful,  and  affecting  in  the  highest  degree.  Do 
use  your  influence  to  prepare  the  way  before  I  come.  The 
money  will  be  admirably  laid  out  for  the  good  of  the  island. 
I  have  pledged  myself  for  the  attempt,  and  trust  God  will 
prosper  it.  1  hope  my  petition  will  prevail  with  those  who 
wish  well  to  the  poor  islanders.  The  prayers,  tears,  and 
blessings  of  the  dear  people  followed  us  to  the  shore,  as  I 
departed.     It  was  a  time  much  to  be  remembered. 

At  this  time  he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his  daugh- 
ter Fanny  : — 

♦♦  Since  I  wrote  my  last,  I  have  abundantly  succeeded 
in  Staffa  and  lona.  No  words  can  express  the  astonishing 
sublimity,  beauty,  grandeur,  and  unique  character  of  the 
former  ;  or  the  deep  and  affecting  interest  excited  by  the 
ruins  and  associations  of  the  latter  island.  I  slept  four 
nights  therein,  in  a  little  hut,  such  as  you  never  saw,  amid 
the  venerable  ruins  of  all  the  great  literary  and  rehgious 
establishments  of  ancient  days,  when  lona  was  the  foimtain 
of  learning  and  piety  to  all  Europe.  I  preached  there 
thrice  on  Sunday,  to  such  a  group  of  poor  islanders,  in 
such  a  poor  place,  as  you  cannot  easily  conceive  ;  and  be- 
tween the  services,  I  went  and  locked  myself  up,  for  affect- 
ing meditation,  amidst  the  ruins  of  the  once  grand  cathe- 
dral of  St.  Columba  ;  and  walked  upon  the  graves  of  num- 
berless kings  of  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  Norway, — lords  of 
the  isles,  chieftains  of  all  the  clans,  bishops,  priors,  abbess- 
es, nuns,  and  friars — who  lie  here  in  wild  confusion, 
mingled  with  the  very  poor  forefathers  of  the  present  islan- 
ders. By  day,  the  sun  shone — and  by  night,  a  lovely  moon 
illuminated  the  splendid  panorama  of  ocean,  eighteen 
islands,  innumerable  mountains,  ranges  of  vast  rocks,  ruins, 
peasants'  huts,  ships,  boats,  and  a  countless  group  of  other 
interesting  objects.  As  but  a  small  part  of  these  poor 
24 


266  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


'^ 


lonians  can  understand  English,  I  preached  tojhem,  by  an 
interpreter,"  sentence  by  sentence  ;  a  pious  Schoolmaster, 
who  is  a  blessing  to  the  island,  translating  all  lisaid.  Never 
did  I  see  such  a  sight,  nor  feel  such  a  feeling  pefore.  I  am 
trying  to  raise  a  subscription,  to  build  these  poor  islanders 
a  school-room  :  it  will  be  indeed  a  work  of  charity. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Richmond  opened  a  communica- 
tion with  the  Duke  of  Argyle,  the  owner  of  the  island  of 
lona,  after  he  had  raised  ^300  among  his  friends.  The 
duke,  it  appears,  chose  to  erect  the  proposed  building  at 
his  own  expense. 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  written  to  the  editor 
by  Mr.  Pitcairn,  contains  all  tne  information  on  this  subject 
which  we  have  been  able  to  collect. 

"  Much  of  my  correspondence  with  Mr.  Richmond,  was 
respecting  a  fund  which  he  had  collected  for  erecting  a  new 
school-room  at  lona  This  was  afterward  rendered  unne- 
cessary, as  the  Duke  of  Argyle  built  the  house  entirely  at 
his  own  expense.  Mr.  Richmond  contemplated  the  appro- 
priation of  the  money  raised  for  lona,  to  a  nobler  purpose 
than  that  of  a  building.  He  died,  however,  before  a  plan 
was  adjusted.  Mr.  Hepburne  is  the  treasurer,  and  I  am 
secretary  to  this  fund.  We  are  now  making  arrangements 
with  the  society  in  Scotland  for  propagating  Christian 
Knowledge,  and  with  whom  the  money  is  to  be  vested  in 
trust ;  and  the  interest  applied  annually  for  the  moral  and 
religious  benefit  of  lona.  We  are  thus  endeavouring  to 
carry  into  efi'ect,  Mr.  Richmond's  benevolent  design." 

On  his  return  from  the  North,  our  friend  passed  through 
Stockport,  at  the  time  when  radical  opinions  disturbed  the 
country.  Mr.  Richmond,  from  his  lameness,  was  never 
able  to  walk  far  without  resting.  He  was  leaning  on  his 
stick  and  looking  aboflt  him,  when  a  poor  fellow  ran  up  to 
him  and  offered  his  hand,  inquiring  with  considerable  ear- 
nestness, "  pray,  sir,  are  you  a  radical  ?"  "  Yes,  my  friend," 


BEV.  LEGH  RICHBfOND.  267 

replied  Mr.  Richmond,  "  I  am  a  radical,  a  thorough  radi- 
cal." "  Then,"  said  the  man,  "  give  me  your  hand." 
"  Stop,  sir,  stop  ;  I  must  explain  myself :  we  all  need  a  ra- 
dical reformation,  our  hearts  are  full  of  disorders  ;  the  root 
and  principle  within  us  is  altogether  corrupt.  Let  you  and 
I  mend  matters  there  ;  and  then,  sir,  all  will  be  well,  and 
we  shall  cease  to  complain  of  the  times  and  the  govern- 
ment." "  Right,  sir,"  replied  the  radical,  "  you  are  right, 
sir  ;"  and  bowing  respectfully,  he  retired. 

Our  friend  had  ever  a  strong  antipathy  to  political  conten- 
tion ;  nor  could  he  be  prevailed  on  to  vote  at  an  election 
without  extreme  reluctance.  He  used  to  say  "  a  religious 
man  is  never  more  out  of  his  place,  nor  in  greater  danger 
of  losing  his  piety,  than  in  the  squabbles  of  politics."  The 
following  humorous  epistle  to  his  friend  Mr.  P.,  well  ex- 
plains his  sentiments  on  this  subject. 

"  My  dear  Sir,  ^ 

"  I  always  tremble  when  religion  and  politics  jam  their 
chariot-wheels  together.  I  once  saw  a  post-chaise  overtake 
another  post-chaise  :  the  foremost  was  going  gently  and 
peaceably  onward  ;  the  hindmost  rather  furiously  ;  at  the 
instant  of  near  approach  (rather  too  near,  you  will  say) 
the  fore  wheel  of  the  latter  caught  fast  hold  of  the  inner 
circumference  of  the  hind  wheel  of  the  former.  For  a  few 
paces  the  two  chaises  went  on,  josthng  in  awkward  part- 
nership, till  at  length  all  four  horses  took  alarm,  and  set 
off  at  full  s{)eed,  compelling  the  tottering  carriages  to  go 
as  fast  as  themselves  ;  which  they  did.  till  one  was  over- 
turned with  the  loss  of  a  wheel,  and  the  other  dashed  on- 
ward in  a  full  career  of  ungovernable  rapidity.  It  was 
soon  out  of  sight,  so  I  know  not  what  became  of  it.  This 
was  the  political  vehicle.  Poor  religion  lay  smashed  in 
the  ditch,  and  the  passengers  at  length  put  their  heads  out 
of  the  window,  and  cried  *  help  us  out  of  the  ditch.'  We 
did  80.  and  they  crept  slowly  on  foot  to  the  next  village,  to 
collect  bam,  beef,  beer  and  experience. 


'208  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Mr.  Richmond's  correspondents  were  numerous.  It  is 
truly  wonderful  that  he  could  find  time  for  a  few  lines  to 
each  of  them.  When  absent  from  home,  he  not  only  wrote 
to  his  wife  and  every  one  of  his  children  ;  but  to  the  tutor 
of  his  boys  ;  the  curate  who  supplied  his  church  ;  and  his 
parishioners,  to  whom  he  addressed  a  kind  of  pastoral  epis- 
tle. We  have  not  room  for  many  specimens.  The  follow- 
ing are  no  discredit  to  his  memory. 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  I  throw  myself  on  your  Christian  feelings  of  charity 
once  more.  I  have  done  wrong  in  what  I  have  written,  I 
pray  you  to  forgive  me.  My  real,  true,  and  only  excuse 
is,  that  my  anxious  feelings  for  the  parish,  and  my  high  ap- 
probation of  your  character  and  conduct  among  the  people, 
made  me  mider-rate  your  objections ;  I  did  not  think  them 
of  suffi«f«nt  weight,  and  I  was  sincerely  and  honestly  fear- 
ful th^^ou  had  some  other  reason,  in  which  I  was  person- 
ally implicated,  and  which  your  delicacy  did  not  hke  to 
name.  I  now  believe  otherwise,  and  I  hope  you  will  re- 
ceive my  acknowledgment  of  my  error  in  the  same  spirit 
wherein  it  is  offered  to  you  Do  not  let  it  influence  you  in 
any  part  of  your  feelings  or  conduct  towards  me.  You 
little  know  the  heart  with  which  you  have  to  do,  if  you 
think  that,  except  under  an  erroneous  impression,  I  could 
wound  any  one  much  less  a  friend  and  brother,  and  one 
whom  I  so  cordially  esteem  and  love.  I  fancied  that  it 
was  your  nerves,  and  not  yourself,  that  shrank  from  the 
path  in  which  I  hoped  Providence  had  placed  you  ;  and 
therefore  I  wrote  as  I  did.  Once  more,  forgive  me.  My 
wife  can  tell  you  how  much  I  suffered  in  my  mind  before 
you  arrived,  in  consequence  of  parochial  vexations.  I 
looked  to  your  coming  as  a  great  comfort — I  found  it  so. 
Every  thing  went  on  well ;  I  thought  that  after  a  year's 
trial  and  acquaintance  with  the  people,  you  would  be  the 
very  man  to  succeed  in  my  absence.  I  built  upon  this 
hope,  and  imagined  that  I  could  remove  the  difficulties 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  269 

which,  on  a  short  and  cursory  view,  affected  your  mind. 
I  tried  to  do  so, — I  failed  ; — the  fabric  of  my  hope  seemed 
to  totter, — my  spirits  sank  ; — I  fancied  there  was  more  of 
fancy  than  argument  in  your  reasons  for  going.  All  this 
put  together,  disappointed  me,  and  excited  my  solicitude. 
I  was  crossed  in  all  my  hopes  and  plans  for  the  next  year. 
Even  the  parental  desire  to  visit  my  daughter  in  Scotland, 
by  leaving  a  tried  and  accepted  friend  at  home,  seemed  to 
be  blighted.  Put  all  these  things  together,  and  I  think  you 
will  the  more  readily  throw  a  mantle  of  charitable  forgive- 
ness over  the  faults  and  mistakes  of  your  friend.  On  the 
receipt  of  this,  which  I  send  open  as  a.  part  of  my  letter  to 
Mrs.  R.,  talk  to  her  freely  about  it ;  and  may  every  uneasy 
feehng,  either  in  your  or  hers,  or  my  own  mind,  be  done 
away.  So  far  as  concerns  my  correspondence,  this  letter 
contains  my  heart  and  mind  ;  cancel  every  other. 

"  I  trust  that  you  are  sparing  yourself,  agreeably  to  my 
request,  in  regard  to  any  of  the  meetings,  which  have 
pressed  on  your  strength  and  spirits.  Shorten  the  evening 
chancel  lectures  :  take  care  of  yourself  yet  be  at  ease  in 
so  doing.  An  unexpected,  but  important  proposition  has 
been  made  to  me  relative  to  some  sermons  for  next  Sunday, 
and  which  may  possibly  prevent  my  return  before  then. 
It  is  yet  unsettled,  and  waits  the  arrival  of  a  letter  to-mor- 
row ;  but  I  will  mention  the  result  as  soon  as  I  know  it 
myself. 

"  Accept,  for  myself,  the  most  sincere  assurance  of  my 
high  and  unfeigned  esteem  for  you  and  your  ministry  ;  my 
cordial  prayers  for  your  welfare,  both  in  mind,  and  body, 
and  estate  ;  my  anxious  regret,  that  our  connexion  must 
not  be  of  a  more  lasting  continuance  ;  and  my  beUef,  that 
you  have  entertained  a  real  and  unmixed  regard  and  re- 
spect for  your  unworthy  friend.  I  can  add  no  more  than 
prayers  for  your  happiness,  and  a  hope  that  your  next 
partner  in  the  ministry  may  as  highly  appreciate  your  ser- 
vices, and  give  you  as  fully  his  heart,  as  does 
*♦  Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Legh  Richmond.'' 
24* 


270  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  Had  I  not  frequently  heard  of  you,  and  of  the  satis- 
factory manner  in  which  you  and  the  boys  were  going  on, 
from  my  daughters,  1  should  have  written  to  you  before,  a 
letter  of  inquiry  and  friendship.  Accept  a  few  hues  now, 
however,  for  the  sake  of  both.  I  can  assure  you,  that  no 
object  lies  nearer  to  my  heart  than  the  welfare  of  my  sons, 
in  whom  the  treasury  of  my  affections  and  conscientious 
desires  is  greatly  bound  up.  I  often,  very  often,  look  with 
trembling  regard  on  the  future,  as  it  concerns  them  ;  and, 
were  there  not  a  throne  of  grace  for  them  and  for  me,  1 
know  not  how  I  should  bear  up  under  many  a  drooping 
feeling.  You  now  see  and  know  them,  and,  I  am  per- 
suaded, feel  an  interest  in  all  that  respects  them.  Tell  me 
a  little  of  the  progress  and  general  conduct  of  each,  and 
be  assured  of  the  confidence  which  I  repose  in  your  con- 
scientious assiduity  and  friendly  affection  towards  them 
and  us.  You,  my  friend,  know  the  value  of  an  immortal 
soul,  and  can  unite  its  prospei  ity  with  every  other  conside- 
ration ;  you  feel  it  for  yourself,  and  can  feel  it  for  others. 
You  know  something  of  the  snares  and  vices  of  the  world 
by  which  we  are  surrounded,  and  can  enter  into  the 
temptations  by  which  youths  are  constantly  endangered  : 
you  are-  not  ignorant  of  the  inward  plague  of  the  natural 
heart,  and  of  the  need  there  is  for  prayer  and  watchfulness, 
to  preserve  it  from  manifesting  its  evils  in  a  thousand  ways. 
I  can,  therefore,  and  I  do,  feel  a  peculiar  satisfaction  in 
contemplating  your  office,  as  connected  with  your  princi- 
ples. The  time  is  now  at  hand,  when,  I  trust,  in  the  bosom 
of  my  family  and  parish,  to  cultivate  more  intimacy  and 
friendship  with  you  than  circumstances  have  recently  per- 
mitted ;  and  to  share  with  you  the  anxious  task  of  rearing 
up  young  minds  for  heaven.  I  have  had  much  interesting 
matter  for  contemplation  during  this  journey,  on  the  beau- 
ties of  nature  as  well  as  of  grace.  I  have  taken  a  wide 
range  of  scenery  in  Scotland,  in  the  Hebrides,  and  the 
North-east  coast  of  Ireland  ;  it  is  no  easy  task  to  detail  or 
describe  such  objects,  with  all  their  combinations  and  ef-. 


REV.  LEGR  RICHMOND.  271 

fects ;  but  they  leave  a  valuable  impression  on  the  mind 
that  seeks  God  in  the  midst  of  them.  It  is  delightful  to 
Worship  Him  in  the  temple  of  creation,  and  to  catch  from 
psalmists  and  prophets,  the  happy  art  of  elucidating  his 
works  of  redeeming  love,  by  illustrations  and  arguments 
drawn  from  his  wonders  and  beauties  in  the  natural  world. 
I  will,  hereafter,  try  to  tell  you  something  of  these  things, 
and  to  brighten  the  gloom  of  our  winter  horizon  by  some 
of  my  Northern  lights  I  have  also  seen  some  very  lovely 
instances  of  the  power  of  divine  grace  on  the  hearts  of 
individuals  and  people  It  is  a  very  delightful  considera- 
tion, that  the  same  God  and  the  same  Redeemer  reigns 
every  where,  and  produces  the  same  effects  in  heart  and 
life.  What  reason  have  we  to  mourn  over  our  slow 
growth  under  so  many  advantages  ! 

**  Be  pleased  to  give  my  kind  love  to  Mr.  Renton,  and 
tell  him  that  I  received  his  letter  subsequently  to  mine 
leaving  this.  I  shall  be  happy  if  he  can,  even  for  two  or 
three  days,  give  me  the  comfort  of  his  society  beyond  the 
\  2th  of  August.  Can  you  tell  me  where  he  is  going  ?  He 
forgot,  in  his  letter,  to  mention  the  name  of  the  place  and 
clergyman  whose  church  he  is  to  serve.  Give  my  love  to 
the  boys,  accept  of  mine  and  Mrs.  Richmond's  assurances 
of  esteem  and  regard  ; 

"  And  believe  me, 

"  Faithfully,  yours, 

Leoh  Richmond." 

Pastoral  letter,  addressed  to  his  parishioners  at  Turvey. 

"  My  dear  Friends, 

"  Although  distance  may  for  a  season  produce  silence, 
it  cannot  cause  forgetfulness  in  my  heart.  As  it  concerns 
you,  I  can  truly  say  that  your  spiritual  welfare  and  temporal 
comfort,  form  the  subject  of  prayers  constantly  offered  up 
at  the  throne  of  grace.  It  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  bring 
us  safe  to  our  dear  child,  whom  we  found  better  than  we 
could  have  expected,  considering  the  illness  and  sufferings 


272  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

through  which  she  has  been  carried.  Great  joy  attended 
our  meeting,  and  the  affections  of  nature  and  grace  were 
called  into  no  small  exercise  I  desire  to  praise  Him  for 
the  past,  and  trust  Him  for  the  future.  Many  of  you  have 
had  abounding  proofs  of  God's  mercy  and  goodness  in  the 
hour  of  need,  and  have  been  brought '  through  fire  and 
through  water  into  a  wealthy  place'  May  the  recollec- 
tions of  such  benefits  keep  you  humble,  make  you  thankful, 
and  render  you  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
light !  As  we  journeyed  hither  we  saw  many  lovely  scenes 
among  the  mountains,  lakes  rivers,  and  waterfalls  of  na- 
ture ;  and  they  reminded  us  of  the  fax  greater  beauties  of 
holiness  in  Him  who  made  them  all,  and  gives  us  many  a 
Gospel  lesson  in  the  works  of  creation.  We  are  now  in  a 
vast  city,  containing  above  150,000  inhabitants.  Much 
grace  prevails  here  ;  and  also,  in  such  a  multitude,  much 
evil.  What  need  we  have  to  pray  for  the  universal  reign 
of  Christian  principles  in  all  hearts  ;  for  the  day  when 
Glasgow  and  London  and  Turvey  may  present  nothing  but 
a  population  of  the  true  followers  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
When  and  how  shall  this  come  to  pass  ?  Times  and  sea- 
sons are  in  the  Lord's  hands,  but  the  means  of  grace  are 
put  into  ours  And  I  know  of  no  means  so  immediately 
likely  to  promote  the  great  event  of  general  conversion,  as 
the  lively,  steadfast,  and  exemplary  conduct  of  Christian 
professors.  I  would  wish  to  impress  this  strongly  upon 
every  one  of  your  minds  :  you  are  answerable  to  God  for 
the  conduct  of  every  hour,  not  only  as  it  may  affect 
your  own  individual  state,  but  as  it  may,  and  must  res- 
pect your  famihes,  your  neighbours,  and  the  church  of 
God.  The  increase  and  prosperity  of  young  converts,  is 
closely  connected  with  the  manner  in  which  older  profes- 
sors of  religion  so  let  their  light  shine  before  them,  that 
they,  seeing  their  good  works,  may  glorify  their  Father 
which  is  in  heaven.  Be  a  united  people  ;  give  no  place  to 
unkind  suspicions,  or  jealousies,  or  words.  Remember 
the  golden  rule,  '  even  do  ye  unto  others  as  ye  would  that 
they  should  do  unto  you.'     Keep  your  eye  and  your  heart 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  273 

Steadily  fixed  upon  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Walk  happily,  by  walking  wisely  and  holiiy.  Maintain 
family  prayer  and  instruction  in  your  households,  whenever 
it  is  practicable  ;  and  where  it  is  not,  be  more  earnest  in 
secret  prayer  for  the  removal  of  all  hindrances.  Keep  to- 
gether as  a  people  ;  encourage  no  divisions  whicli  break 
the  peace  of  the  church,  and  injure  weak  souls  by  many 
false  delusions.  A  good  Christian  is  a-  steady  one.  You 
that  are  in  trouble,  cast  your  cares  upon  the  Lord,  know- 
ing that  he  caieth  for  you.  If  God  be  with  you,  who  can 
be  against  you  ?  Think  oyer  past  mercies,  and  see  on 
whom  you  ought  to  trust.  Do  not  dishonour  Him  by  un- 
believing doubts.  He  is  faithful  that  has  promised.  May 
God  answer  my  prayers  for  unity,  peace  and  concord. 
Hearken  to  the  word  of  truth,  from  the  lips  of  my  faithful 
fellow-labourer  :  strengthen  his  hands  and  encourage  his 
heart.  Pray  much  for  me  ;  I  need  it,  for  my  labours  are 
many,  and  I  am  weak  :  but  the  Lord  is  my  strength.  God 
bless  every  one  of  you  :  and  may  we,  if  God  will,  meet 
again  in  love  and  holy  resolution. 

"  So  prays  your  affectionate  pastor, 

Legu  Richmond." 

It  was  during  one  of  Mr.  Richmond's -excursions  to 
Scotland,  that  he  arranged  for  publication  the  very  interest- 
ing diary  and  "  Letter  on  the  Principles  of  the  Christian 
Faith,"  composed  by  Miss  Sinclair,  eldest  daughter  of  the 
Right  Hon.  Sir  John  Sinclair.  Bart.  ;  who  died  on  the  22d 
May,  1818.  There  are  few  of  our  readers,  we  presume, 
who  have  not  read  the  above  production,  addressed  by  Miss 
Sinclair  to  one  of  her  younger  sisters  without  any  intention 
of  its  meeting  the  public  eye,  or  aiming  at  any  thing  beyond 
the  private  edification  of  her  sister.  It  contains  a  very 
clear,  scriptural  and  able  exposition  of  the  principles  of 
the  Christian  faith,  accompanied  by  remarks  which  showed 
the  influence  of  those  principles  in  her  own  heart.  At  the 
request  of  the  family,  a  memoir  of  Miss  Sinclair  was  pre- 
fixed to  the  publication,  by  Mr.  Richmond.    It  is  foreign 


274  MEMOIRS    OF   THE 

to  our  purpose  to  enter  into  any  review  of  this  interesting^ 
little  work,  which  details  the  early  growth  and  progress  of 
divine  grace  in  the  heart  of  this  young  lady,  who  appears 
to  have  united  the  attainments  of  genuine  piety  with  the 
en^'owments  of  the  most  cultivated  mind.  We  have  much 
pleasure  in  subjoining  the  following  testimony,  as  one  of 
the  many  instances  of  usefulness  arising  from  the  perusal  of 
this  little  memoir  : — 

<'  Rev.  Sir, 

"  Being  informed  that  you  are  writing  the  life  of  Mr. 
Richmond,  I  beg,  through  the  medium  of  my  much  es- 
teemed friend  Mr,  F  to  inform  you  how  greatly  I  am  in- 
debted to  the  memoir  of  Miss  Hannah  Sinclair.  I  trust  it 
is  from  no  ostentatious  wish  to  see  my  name  in  print,  that 
I  allude  to  the  blessed  change  in  my  views  and  principles. 
Yet  I  do  wish  to  give  publicity  to  the  little  volume  by  which 
my  mind  was  first  drawn  to  the  true  principles  of  the  word 
of  God,  and  my  heart  rightly  impressed  by  them.  I  would 
pay  a  tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  one  who  must  be 
ever  dear  to  my  recollection,  for  benefits  received  from 
that  excellent  letter  of  Hannah  Sinclair  ;  and  I  anxiously 
desire  that  her  valuable  memoir  by  Mr.  Richmond,  may  be 
read  with  the  same  dehght  and  benefit  which  accompanied 
my  perusal  of  it. 

<*  1  am,  &c. 

H.  Phipps." 


REV.    I-EGH    RICHMOND.  275 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Tkath  of  his  infant, — Marriage  of  his  eldest  daughter, — 
Visit  to  the  north  of  Ireland. —  Texts  on  the  tcalls  of  his 

churchy — Extract  of  a  letter  to  his  daughter  F Isle 

of  Wight  tour^ — Pastoral  letter, — Journal, — His  son 
WHberforce' s  illness,  and  death, — Marriage  of  his 
daughter,  H — , — Nugenfs  shipvyreck,  and  death, — Apo- 
cryphal question, — Mr.  Richmond's  opinion  on  the  mode 
of  preaching  to  the  Jews, — Journey  to  Cromer, — Conver- 
sation unth  the  editor, — Meditation  in  his  study. 

In  the  spring  of  1821,  Mr.  Richmond  lost  his  infant 
child.  He  gives  the  account  of  this  event  in  a  letter  to  his 
daughter  ;  and  he  composed  a  copy  of  verses,  to  soothe  the 
feehngs  of  the  mother. 

"  Dear  Mary, 

"  Our  dear  delicate  baby  has  taken  his  flight  to  a  hap- 
pier world  !  I  write  beside  his  unspeakably  beautiful  re- 
mains. Of  all  my  twelve  babes,  I  never  clung  to  one  like 
this — perhaps,  because  I  never  expected  his  life.  He  was 
formed  for  a  higher  state  than  this,  and  is  taken  away  from 
the  evil  to  come.  He  had  an  inflammation  on  the  chest 
for  a  few  days.  He  died  in  my  arms — lovelier  than  the 
loveliest,  calmer  than  the  calmest.  His  previously  languid 
eye  suddenly  illumined  into  heavenly  brightness  and 
vigour;  it  looked  at  me  with  full  intelligence-j-*seemed 
to  say,  *  Farewell !  I  am  going  to  Jesus  !' — and  he  was 
srone." 


^276  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

HYMN  FOR  AN  INFANT'S  FUNERAL. 

Hark  !  how  the  angels,  as  they  fly, 
Sing  through  the  regions  of  the  sky  ; 
Bearing  an  infant  in  their  arms. 
Securely  freed  from  sin's  alarms  : — 

"  Welcome,  dear  babe,  to  Jesu's  breast — 
For  ever  there  in  joy  to  rest : 
Welcome  to  Jesu's  courts  above. 
To  smg  thy  great  Redeemer's  love  I 

"  We  left  the  heavens,  and  flew  to  earth, 
To  watch  thee  at  thy  mortal  birth  : 
Obedient  to  thy  Saviour's  will. 
We  stayed  to  love  and  guard  thee  still. 

"  We  thy  protecting  angels  came. 
To  see  thee  blessed  in  Jesu's  name; 
When  the  baptismal  seal  was  given, 
To  mark  thee,  child,  an  heir  of  heaven. 

"  When  the  resistless  call  of  death 
Bade  thee  resign  thy  infant  breath — 
When  parents  wept,  and  thou  didst  smile. 
We  were  thy  guardians  all  the  while. 

"  Now,  with  the  lightning's  speed,  we  bear 
The  child  committed  to  our  care  ; 
With  anthems  such  as  angels  sing. 
We  fly  to  bear  thee  to  our  King." 

Thus  sweetly  borne,  he  flies  to  rest : 
We  know  'tis  well — nay  more,  'tis  best : 
When  we  our  pilgrims'  paths  have  trod. 
Oh  !  may  we  find  him  with  our  God  ! 

We  have  already  noticed  that  Mr.  Richmond,  in  his 
lour  to  Scotland,  left  his  eldest  daughter  to  the  care  of  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  S.,  who  resided  near  Glasgow.  It  was  there 
that  an 'attachment  was  formed  between  Miss  Richmond 
and  a  clergyman  of  the  Estabhshed  Church  of  Scotland, 
whose  profession  and  character  rendered  the  connexion 
truly  gratifying  to  our  friend.  He  alludes  to  this  circum- 
stance in  the  following  letter  : 


REV.    LEGH    klCHMO]>fB.  277 

*•  My  dear  Love, 

«  Was  not  this  the  day  on  which  you  were  born  ?  Why, 
then,  I  must  now  wish  you  many  happy  returns  of  it.  But 
will  they  be  happy,  if  you  be  not  holy  !  How  I  long  to 
see  my  dear  F.  still  more  decided — more  spiritual — more 
given  to  holy  thoughts,  words,  and  works.  Let  not  your 
mind  be  run  away  with  by  any  thing  that  will  steal  your 
heart  from  God.  Make  no  idols  of  books  that  carry  away 
the  imagination.  1  will  give  you  a  rule  to  judge  whether 
an  author  is  doing  you  good  : — Go  directly  from  your  book, 
and  open  your  bible  ;  and,  without  partiality  or  hypocrisy, 
say  which  you  embrace  with  the  most  delight.  .  The  an- 
swer will  always  show  the  state  of  your  mind,  and  the  prO' 
fitableness  and  lawfulness  of  the  book. 

"  Become  more  serious.  I  am  much  pleased  with  the 
conscientious  principles  and  behaviour  of  Mary  and  Mr. 
,M.,  in  their  intercourse.  He  is  a  true  Christian,  and  most 
affectionately  attached  to  her.  His  view  of  faith  and 
practice  exactly  accord  with  my  own  :  he  is  too  good  a 
man  to  be  light  and  trifling  on  such  a  solemn  subject  as  a 
nuptial  engagement.  Mary's  mind  is  sacredly  and  stead- 
fastly made  up,  to  Iodc,  honom*,  and  obey  him,  as  the  part- 
ner of  her  heart,  and  the  spouse  of  her  conscience.  Oh  ! 
pray  for  the  dear  girl,  and  treat  the  question  with  sacred 
cheerfulness. 

"  My  visit  to  Glasgow  was  blessed  to  the  cultivation  of 
pure  regard  and  esteem  with  all  the  M 's.  I  can  re- 
si^  her,  with  full  hope  and  confidence,  into  God's  hands. 
Do  you  the  same  ;  and  when  we  return  home,  seek  more 
opportunities  of  useful  conversation.  Attend,  in  the  course 
of  every  day  and  hour,  to  the  growth  of  your  best  and  most; 
ennobling  principles  of  action.  Much,  very  much  time, 
which  might  be  employed  in  an  increasing  meetness  for  the 
inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  is,  I  fear,  lost.  These 
things  ought  not  so  to  be,  my  dear  child.  Time  is  shortt 
eternity  is  at  hand.  It  is  a  hard  thing  to  be  saved  at  all ; 
and  every  lost  hour,  every  idle  word,  every  neglected 
portunity,  makes  it  more  hard.    It  is  a  strait  gate  and 


nyr 


278^  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

row  way  to  heaven,  and  (comparatively)  few  there  be  that 
find  it. 

"  Never  be  without  a  book,  in  daily  reading,  of  a  direct 
Spiritual  and  devotional  tendency  ;  one  that  will  make  the 
vanities  of  time  and  sense  appear  unworthy  of  your  notice. 
Always  keep  up,  if  possible,  with  some  one,  a  truly  reli- 
gious correspondence,  calculated  to  bring  Christ  to  the 
soul.  Keep  in  hourly  recollection,  that  you  are  a  great 
sinner,  unworthy  of  all  the  comforts  and  enjoyments  which 
you  possess  ;  and  that- without  a  Saviour  inwardly  known, 
all  is  as  knothing.  Examine  for  the  proofs  of  a  converted 
mind,  in.  the  grand  act  of  faith  on  Jesus  Christ.  I  cannot 
recommend  you  a  more  lively  example  than  Mrs.  Isabella 
Graham,  the  admirable  aunt  of  Mr.  M.  Learn  to  love 
true  religion  in  others,  whoever  they  may  be.  Shun  paCrty 
prejudice,  as  the  bane  of  charity  and  the  curse  of  the 
church.  God's  love  is  not  limited  to  us,  and  our  division 
of  the  church  of  Christ ;  why  then  ought  ours  ?  Far  be  it 
from  us  to  feel  alienation  from  any  whom  He  is  leading 
heavenwards. 

"  Pray  think  of  the  general  tenor  of  this  letter,  for  my 
sake,  and  for  your  own  sake.  I  have  much  spiritual  un- 
easiness about  all  my  children,  and  most  anxiously  wish  to 
see  them  grow  in  grace.  Without  this,  all  is  dead.  I 
want  to  see  them  useful  to  others  around  them,  and  patterns 
to  one  another,  and  comforts  to  me  in  all  things." 

The  union  took  place  at  Turvey,  in  the  spring  of  1822  ; 
and  the  writer  of  this  Memoir  had  the  pleasure  of  officia- 
ting on  the  occasion.  On  the  day  of  Miss  Richmond's 
marriage,  her  father  addressed  to  her  the  following  inte- 
resting letter  : — 

"  I  this  day  consign  you,  my  beloved  daughter,  into  the 
hands  of  one  whom  I  believe  to  be  a  man  of  God,  and 
who  will  watch  over  your  eternal  as  well  as  your  temporal 
interests.  I  trust  that  your  union  is  formed  in  the  simplici- 
ty of  faith,  hope,  and  love.     Give  yourself  up,  first  to  God, 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  279 

and  then  to  your  husband,  for  Christ's  sake.  Pray  for 
grace  to  conduct  yourself  aright,  in  the  new  station  of  a 
wife.  Never  depend  for  a  single  moment,  on  the  strength 
of  your  own  feeble  nature.  Live  constantly  by  faith  on 
the  Son  of  God  :  relying  on  him  for  the  graces  of  domes- 
tic life,  as  well  as  those  of  a  more  general  character.  En- 
deavour in  all  things  to  please  God,  and  you  will  be  sure  to 
please  all  whom  you  ought  to  please. 

"  Expect  the  trials  and  crosses  incident  to  the  earthly 
pilgrimage  ;  but  expect  also  by  the  mercies  and  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ,  to  be  enabled  to  pass  through  them  with 
safety  and  peace. 

"  Love,  honour,  and  obey  your  husband,  for  the  Lord's 
sake.  Do  it  upon  deep  conscientious  principles,  as  in  the 
constant  sight  of  God.  Think  much  on  the  love  of  Christ 
to  poor  sinners  ;  and  live  upon  this  love,  as  food  and  medi- 
cine to  your  own  soul. 

"  Be  cheerful  without  levity  ;  be  grave  without  morose- 
ness  ;  be  devout  without  affectation  ;  be  firm  without  ob  • 
stinacy  ;  be  diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving 
the  Lord  in  all  things. 

"  Although  you  leave  your  father's  house,  I  know  you 
will  not  leave  its  principles,  any  more  than  its  love. 
Though  separated,  we  shall  be  closely  united, — though  out 
of  sight,  yet  never  out  of  mind  :  you  will  think  of  us,  and 
we  of  you,  with  affections  tender,  rational  and  abiding. 
We  shall  often  meet  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and  welcome 
each  other,  and  be  welcomed  there  ;  we  shall  oflen  meet 
in  ihe  correspondences  of  heart  and  pen.  We  shall,  if 
God  permit,  sometimes  meet  in  sweet  personal  intercourse 
again  ;  we  shall  often  meet  in  the  affectionate  reveries  of 
imagination.  And  oh !  may  we  at  last  meet  to  part  no 
more,  in  the  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens. 

"  Study  your  own  and  your  husband's  dispositions,  that 
you  may  cultivate  true  conjugal  peace  and  love  Ever  be 
ready  to  open  your  heart  to  him  on  things  spiritual  as  well 
as  temporal.     Disappoint  him  not  herein,  for  he  will  watch 


!^0  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

over  your  soul,  as  one  that  must  give  account.  A  minis- 
ter's public  labours  are  intimately  connected  with  his  pri- 
vate and  domestic  consolations.  A  minister's  wife  may  be 
a  main-spring  of  encouragement  or  discouragement  to  her 
husband,  in  all  his  arduous  and  anxious  occupations  for  the 
good  of  his  flock.  On  her  example  and  demeanour  very 
much  may  often  depend.  Keep  this  always  in  mind,  and 
look  up  to  Christ  for  gracious  help.  Feel  with,  and  for 
your  husband,  in  all  his  parochial  and  congregational  inte- 
rests, as  well  as  in  those  which  are  simply  domestic — they 
ought  to  be  inseparable.  Cultivate  a  deep  and  personal 
piety.  Imitate  the  holy  women  of  old,  and  let  your  adorn- 
ing be  like  unto  theirs  :  St.  Peter  can  tell  you  what  this  is, 

*'  I  rejoice  in  your  lot ;  I  can  see  the  hand  of  God  in  it. 
This  is  a  token  for  good  to  us  all. 

"  Go,  dear  Mary,  to  your  husband's  house  ;  and  may 
the  presence  and  blessing  of  the  Lord  go  with  you :  J 
commend  you  to  his  holy  keeping,  with  confidence. 
Faithful  is  He  that  hath  promised,  and  He  will  do  it.  We 
shall  have  pledged  our  vows  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  at 
this  interesting  period  :  may  this  strengthen  and  animate 
our  hearts  to  serve  and  trust  him  On  this  day,  the  Spirit 
was  poured  out  on  the  primitive  church  with  great  power, — 
may  we  this  day  receive  the  earnest  of  His  love  in  much 
simplicity. 

"  Grace,  peace,  and  mercy,  be  with  my  beloved  daughter, 
arid  with  her  affectionate  father, 

Legh  Richmond.'* 

The  year  after  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  Mr.  Rich- 
gnond  paid  a  visit  to  the  North  of  Ireland.  He  staid  there 
but  a  short  time.  We  can  furnish  the  reader  with  no  other 
particulars  than  are  contained  in  the  subjoined  letter  to  his 
ii'iend,  Mr.  Higgins,  of  Turvey  Abbey. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  Owing  to  some  domestic  circumstances,  connected 
with  our  dear  daughter's  confinement,  indisposition,  and 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND,  281 

recovery,  we  have  been  detained  here  beyond  our  expecta- 
tions  ;  but  in  our  absence,  we  think  and  talk  much  of  our 
Turvey  friends,  and  anticipate  the  restoration  to  their  so- 
ciety with  much  pleasure.  During  my  wife's  more  retired 
occupation  of  nursing,  and  superintending  household  affairs 
in  Glasgow,  I  have  had  interesting  opportunities  of  seeing 
districts  of  much  beauty  and  curiosity.  I  have  again  visit- 
ed Staffa  and  lona,  and  several  other  of  the  Western 
islands.  I  have  also  seen  the  Giant's  Causeway,  and  the 
highly  romantic  and  subhme  coast  of  Antrim,  in  Ireland, 
including  a  journey  of  seventy  miles  by  land  to  Belfast. 
I  was  very  glad  to  find,  that  amidst  all  the  misery  and  mis- 
chief of  many  other  parts  of  Ireland,  one  district  in  the 
North  is  very  quiet,  and  comparatively  comfortable.  I 
travelled  in  an  open  vehicle  until  midnight,  without  fear  or 
danger.  But  not  so,  had  I  traversed  the  territories  of 
Captain  Rock.  The  North  of  Ireland  is  chiefly  Protest 
tant,  although  not  exclusively  so.  I  had  the  opportunity 
of  observing  there,  as  in  Scotland,  that  in  exact  proportion 
to  the  universality  and  superiority  of  the  school  education 
of  the  children  of  the  poor,  good  or  bad  conduct  prevails 
in  the  different  districts.  With  mental  attainments  and 
useful  instruction,  an  elevation  and  stability  of  character, 
and  a  happy  adaptation  of  mind  to  circumstances,  is  gene- 
rally formed.  Subject  to  occasional  exceptions,  I  feel  con- 
fident that  the  three  kingdoms  will  owe  their  future  and 
final  prosperity  to  the  great  advances  and  improvements 
made  in  general  education.  Nothing  can  more  illustrate 
this  fact,  than  the  comparison  between  Scotland  and  Ire- 
land, and  the  contrasted  districts  of  educated  or  uneduca- 
ted Ireland  and  Scotland  with  each  other.  For,  in  some 
of  the  remote  islands,  and  Highlands  of  even  Scotland, 
much  is  yet  to  be  done.  You  would  not  be  sorry  that  the 
Popish  question  was  lost  in  Parliament,  neither  was  I  :  I 
am  convinced,  that  we  are  safer  as  we  are ;  althougli 
equally  convinced,  that  many  good  men  most  conscien- 
tiously think  otherwise  ;  but  I  was  glad  when  I  saw  the 
result.  I  grieve  at  the  violence  with  which  the  subject 
25* 


^2  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

!ias  been  too  often  argued  on  both  sides,  and  at  tbe  conse- 
quent irritation  of  parties. 

"  From  my  children's  account,  the  boys  are  going  on 
very  well  with  Mr.  Ayre,  and,  I  trust,  will  improve  much 
under  his  tuition.  May  God  be  pleased  to  enable  us  ta 
bring  them  up  in  '  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord,'  and  to  see  them,  as  much  as  possible,  preserved 
from  the  abounding  snares  and  evils  of  the  corrupt  world 
in  which  their  lot  must  be  cast. 

♦*  We  have  had  recent  accounts  of,  and  from  Nugent  :^ 
and  all  very  satisfactory.  That  subject,  my  dear  sir,  was 
a  bitter,  but  is  turned  into  a  cordial.  I  feel  great  reason 
to  be  thankful.  We  have  often  drank  from  your  cups,  so 
kindly  given  to  Mrs.  M.,  and  the  remembrances  of  Turvey 
have  sweetened  the  draughts.  She  is  most  happy  in  her 
husband,  a  man  and  a  minister  of  sterling  worth  ;  they  are 
«nost  comfortable  in  each  other,  and  live  in  mucli  respecta- 
bility and  domestic  love.  I  must,  also,  gratify  the  feelings 
of  a  newly-made  grandfather,  by  praising  little  Mary  Mar- 
shall the  second,  and  observing  that  she  is  a  very  nice  little 
girl. 

"  The  beauty  of  nature,  and  its  accompanying  scenery, 
is  now  great  indeed.  I  cannot  convey  to  paper  the  mag- 
fiificence  of  the  mountains,  the  loveliness  of  the  plains,  the 
sublimity  of  the  rocks,  the  splendour  of  the  ocean,  the  di- 
versity of  the  islands,  the  wonders  of  basaltic  columns,  the 
awfulness  of  the  caves,  nor  the  combinations  of  effects 
produced  by  them  all  together.  I  cannot  depict  the  nume- 
rous ivy-girt  ruins  of  feudal  castles,  nor  the  groves  and 
woods  of  the  mansions  and  villas  of  lairds  and  lords  ;  but 
you  know  something  of  them,  and  must  conceive,  in  ima- 
gination, what  your  friend  is  unable  to  describe.  My  great 
desire  is,  to  seek  and  find  God  in  them  all,  and  lo  adore 
Jjim  there. 

'*  You  will  present  my  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  H.,  in  which 
all  here  unite.     To  your  children  likewise,  give  every  good 

*  His  eldest  son,  then  in  India. 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  283 

wish  and  blessing.  Accept  the  same  for  yourself,  and  be 
assured  of  iny  friendly  and  Christian  desire  that  you  mayi 
through  the  blessing  of  God  and  his  crucified  Son, '  so  pass 
through  things  temporal  that  you  finally  lose  not  the  things 
eternal.'  Such  wishes  and  prayers  become  us  whilst  we 
are  here,  and  their  answers  may  be  our  crown  of  glory 
when  we  depart  hence,  and  are  no  more  seen." 

About  this  time,  the  church  at  Turvey  was  inspected  by 
the  archdeacon,  who  expressed  his  approbation  of  the  neat- 
ness and  good  order  with  which  every  thing  appeared  to  be 
conducted.  The  church  is  a  singular  buildmg,  having 
three  chancels  annexed  to  it.  In  one  of  these  are  the 
monuments  of  the  Mordaunts  ;  the  middle  chancel  contains 
the  font  and  communion  table  ;  and  the  third  was  used  for 
the  evening  instruction  of  the  schools,  where  Mr.  Rich- 
mond catechised  and  preached  to  the  children  A  most 
appropriate  selection  of  texts  are  inscribed  on  the  walls  of 
each  of  these  chancels,  as  well  as  in  the  body  of  the  church, 
chosen  by  Mr.  Richmond  with  great  care,  and  they  exhibit 
a  complete  system  of  divinity.  "  I  wish,"  said  our  excel- 
lent friend,  "  when  I  can  no  longer  preach  to  my  flock, 
that  the  walls  should  remind  them  of  what  they  have  heard 
from  me.  The  eye,  though  wandering  in  thoughtless  va- 
cancy, may  catch  something  to  affect  the  heart." 

We  regret  that  we  cannot  supply  the  reader  with  a  map 
of  the  interior  of  Turvey  church.  The  admirable  order  of 
the  texts,  which  display  both  the  taste  and  piety  of  the  de- 
parted rector,  might  afford  a  model  for  similar  arrange- 
ments in  other  churches. 

The  following  are  extracts  from  an  interesting  letter, 
written  to  his  daughter  F ,  about  this  time  : — 

"  Fully  as  I  can  enter  into  the  beauties  of  works  of  fic- 
tion, yet  I  exceedingly  dread  their  tendency.  The  utmost 
caution  is  requisite  in  meddling  with  them.  The  novelist  1 
unequivocally  proscribe,  and  many  of  the  poets,  and  their 
poems,  which  are  only  nets  to  catch  yonng  minds  in  the 


!284  MEMOIRS.  OF  THE 

maze  of  Satan.  It  is  a  maxim  in  regard  to  books  as  well 
as  companions,  that  what  does  not  improve^  invariably  in- 
jures. Few  things  in  this  world  are  merely  negative  and 
harmless  :  they  either  do  us  good,  when  sanctified  by  the 
Spirit ;  or  they  do  us  harm,  by  stealing  our  hearts  from  God. 
Even  the  beauties  and  wonders  of  nature,  in  an  unsanctifi- 
ed  mind,  excite  nothing  beyond  natural  affections — pleasure 
and  surprise.  If  Christ  is  not  sought  for  there,  we  may 
rise  no  higher  than  mere  tourists,  rhymists,  and  painters. 
Whether  we  eat,  or  drink,  or  travel,  or  read,  or  converse, 
or  philosophize — all,  all  must  be  done  to  the  glory  of  God.'"' 

The  tours  of  Mr.  Richmond  which  we  have  already  laid 
before  the  reader,  were  undertaken  at  the  solicitation  of  the 
Church  Missionary  and  Jews  Societies.  He  often  made 
voluntary  excursions  of  a  smaller  extent,  to  assist  in  the 
formation  of  branch  Bible  Societies  ;  and  he  usually  at- 
tended the  annual  meetings  of  the  auxiliaries  to  the  parent 
institution,  within  his  own  neighbourhood,  where  he  was 
allowed  to  be  one  of  the  most  efficient  instruments  in  their 
establishment  and  confirmation. 

In  this  year,  he  was  appointed  by  the  committee  of  tho 
Parent  Society  in  London,  to  accompany  one  of  their  se- 
cretaries (Dr.  Steinkopff,)  to  Chichester,  Portsmouth, 
Southampton,  and  the  Isle  of  Wight.  The  recollections  oi' 
his  former  residence  were  too  strongly  associated  with  all 
the  early  events  of  his  ministry,  not  to  render  the  proposal 
highly  acceptable  to  him. 

We  venture  to  make  a  few  extracts  from  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's journal  at  this  time,  being  the  last  we  shall  have  oc- 
casion to  notice.  We  trace  in  them  his  usual  taste  for  the 
beauties  of  nature,  with  a  growing  spirituality  and  devoted- 
ness  of  heart, 


REV.  LEOH  RICHMOND.  285 


JOURNAL. 

"  Attg.  27.  Saw  views  of  the  Isle  of  Wight.  What  as- 
sociations crowd  upon  my  heart !  Joyfully  and  affection- 
ately received  by  my  old  friends,  Mr.  and  Mrs  T.,  in  the 
dock -yard.  Talked  over  old  times — about  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  Brading,  Bembridge,  &<c. 

"  I  entreat  thee.  ( >  my  God,  to  sanctify  this  season  to  my 
soul  and  to  the  souls  of  others !  May  this  visit  be  a  bless- 
ing. Time  is  going  on — eternity  is  at  hand.  Strengthen 
my  heart,  head,  and  tongue,  and  keep  me  from  evil. 

"  Aug.  28.  Proceeded  to  Southampton.  Profitable 
conversation  with  Dr.  S.,  on  the  necessity  of  retirement  and 
prayer,  in  the  midst  of  public  and  officiai  duties.  My  af- 
fections greatly  exercised  to-day  by  the  topics  of  my  speech 
— never  more  so. 

"  Lord,  guide  me  in  this  pilgrimage  !  Keep  ray  heart — 
give  me  judgment — direct  my  tongue — preserve  me  from 
sin ! 

"  Aug.  29.  Went  to  the  Bible  meeting  at  Southampton, 
I  told  the  miners'  story.*  A  poor  widow  brought  an  in- 
teresting girl,  named  Mitchell,  about  eighteen,  to  acknow- 
ledge, with  tears  of  grateful  affection,  how  much  she  was 
indebted  to  the  tract  of  *  The  Young  Cottager,'  for  a 
change  of  heart  and  4iope.  She  showed  a  simplicity  of 
character  that  affected  me  greatly.  Sailed  to  Cowes.  Pro- 
ceeded to  Newport.     1  am  once  more  in  the  Isle  of  Wight 

*  The  story  to  which  he  alludes  is  very  affecting;.  In  one  of  the 
Newcastle  collieries,  35  men  and  41  boys  died  by  suffocation,  or 
were  starved  to  death.  One  of  the  boys,  with  a  bit  of  pointed  iron, 
engraved  on  a  tin  box  which  the  colliers  use,  this  la.st  message  to 
his  mother  : — "  Fret  not,  my  dear  mother,  for  we  are  singing  the 
praises  of  God  while  we  have  time.  Mother,  follow  God  more 
than  ever  I  did.  Joseph,  be  a  *ood  lad  to  God  and  mother."  Mr. 
Richmond  brought  the  r/ox  from  the  North,  and  by  showing  it  to 
his  friends,  awakened  in  their  hearts  feelings  of  the  most  lively  in- 
terest. 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

— God  bless  this  visit.  My  heart  yearns  over  this  spot. 
Lord,  sanctify  all  things  to  ii;e  and  thy  children  !  and  daily 
add  to  the  church  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

*^  Neicport,  Aug.  3.0.  Met  Robert  Wallbridge,*  and 
talked  about  liis  sister  and  father.  Attended  the  Bible 
meeting.  Entered  at  large  into  Isle  of  Wight  feehngs. 
Much  affection  manifested. 

A  number  of  persons  came  in  the  evening,  and  joined 
us  in  family  prayer.  I  expounded  and  prayed.  It  was  an 
affecting  season  How  my  heart  feels  these  scenes  and 
interviews  !  Lord,  sanctify  all  this  to  my  own  soul  !  The 
Brading  pulpit  is  offered  me  for  Sunday  morning. 

"Aw^.  31.  (^Saturday.)  Fixed  to  have  a  Bible  meet- 
ing on  Thursday  next.  Set  out  with  my  daughter  Fanny, 
and  went  through  Brading,  to  Mr.  L's  cottage  at  Sandown. 
All  the  way  felt  strong  associations.  Every  tree,  hedge> 
gate,  house,  revived  them.  Went  to  Shanklin,  to  the 
Chine.  Exquisite  views.  Dined  in  the  Chine.  Return- 
ed through  Brading.  Was  much  affected  on  reading  many 
grave-stones — so  Inany  that  I  once  well  knew  !  Drank  tea 
with  the  curate  Finally  settled  that  I  should  preach  to- 
morrow, at  Brading.  May  my  soul  be  directed  into  all 
truth.  I  felt  much  while  sitting  in  the  Brading  vicarage 
parlour — so  many  domestic  recollections  ! 

'^  Sept.  I.  [Sunday.)  A  most . affecting  day.  Before 
church,  saw  many  friends,  who  most  affectionately  greeted 
me.  Preached  from  Ps.  viii  4 — '  What  is  man,  that  thoii 
art  mindful  of  him  ?  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest 
liim  ?'  Church  most  crowded.  I  was  much  affected  by  the 
whole  scene.  Mr.  T.,  the  curate,  acted  in  a  very  friendly 
manner.  After  many  interesting  circumstances,  went  to 
Ryde,  and  preached  there  in  the  afternoon.  At  eight, 
went  to  Mrs.  Y.,  at  Bank  Cottage,  where  a  multitude  of 
people  heard  me  expound  and  pray.  How  many  gave  me 
the  affectionate  right-hand  of  fellowship  !  I  expounded 
from  John  vii.  37. — '  In  the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the 

*  This  was  the  brother  of  his  Dairyman's  daughter. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  287 

feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let 
him  come  unto  me  and  drink.' 

'•  What  scenes  are  these  !  How  far  removed  from  the 
pomps  and  vanities  of  this  world  ! 

*'  Sept.  2.  Went  to  Brading.  Showed  Jane's  cottage 
to  Fanny.  Called  on  numbers  of  people.  Much  friendly 
and  kind  reception  at  Brading  :  much  religious  and  devo- 
tional feeling  in  every  direction. 

"  Sept.  3.  Went  to  Bembridge.  Interesting  in  the  ex- 
treme. Saw  old  Mr.  G.  dying,  and  happy  in  death.  Call- 
ed at  the  G's.  Found  the  whole  family  full  of  love,  affec- 
tion, and  piety.  Went  to  Mr.  K's,  and  various  others. 
All  respect  and  affection  Ascended  Bembridge  Down  : 
the  finest  prospect  in  the  island.  Had  a  delightful  religious 
|)arty  in  the  evening.  Exposition  and  prayer.  Settled  to 
liave  a  distribution  of  tracts  at  Bembridge,  on  Thursday,  if 
fine. 

'*  God  grant  me  grace  to  go  through  all  these  affecting 
scenes  profitably  to  myself  and  others ! 

"  Sept.  5.  A  day  much  to  be  remembered.  After  break- 
fast, went  with  Mr.  Butterworth,  &>c.,  to  distribute  tracts, 
according  to  promise,  at  Bembridge  Point  :  to  which  I  had 
invited  all  the  population  of  Bembridge.  The  most  af- 
fecting and  affectionate  scene  ever  witnessed.  Such  meet- 
ings, welcomes,  congratulations,  smiles,  tears,  salutations, 
from  some  hundred  persons — men,  women,  and  children ! 
It  is  indelibly  impressed  upon  my  mind,  and  beggars  all 
description. 

"  Had  many  proofs  of  past  usefulness.  God  bless  this 
day  to  me  and  many  !  On  returning  home,  found  a  de- 
lightful letter  from  my  dear  wife,  about  the  Isle  of  Wight : 
God  bless  and  preserve  her  Expounded  23d  Psalm.  Oh  ! 
that  this  day  may  be  remembered  for  good  ! 

"  Sept.  6.  Visited  Robert  Wallbridge  and  Mrs.  A. 
Had  much  useful  conversation  about  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter.  She  gave  me  a  lock  of  her  hair.  Wc  went  to 
Arreton  church,  and  visited  her  grave. 


288  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

*'  Sept.  12.  A  day  to  be  much  remembered.  On  this 
day  twenty-five  years  since,  I  first  read  Mr.  Wilberforce's 
book  on  Christianity,  in  my  Httle  study,  in  the  vicarage 
house  at  Brading  ;  and  thence  and  then  received  my  first 
serious,  and  I  hope  saving  impressions 

"  A  memorial  stone  was  this  day  put  up  over  the  grave  of 
little  Jane,  the  young  cottager — my  first  convert  and  seal  in 
Brading.  Multitudes  attended — old  and  young,  from  all 
the  vicinity.  Her  parents  bent,  weeping,  over  the  grave. 
What  did  I  not  feel  1  We  then  adjourned  to  the  cottage 
where  she  lived  and  died,  and  I  distributed  a  number  of 
<  Young  Cottager'  tracts  to  the  inhabitants  and  neighbour- 
hood, who  came  in  throngs  to  receive  them.  A  truly  affect- 
ing scene  ! 

"  Sept.  18.  A  stone  was  this  day  put  up  for  the  Dairy- 
man's Daughter,  in  Arreton  church-yard. 

*  To  God  be  all  the  praise.' '' 

After  preaching  several  times  to  large  congregations,  he 
took  an  affectionate  farewell  of  his  numerous  friends  in  the 
Isle  of  Wight. 

Extract  from  a  pastoral  letter  from  the  Isle  of  Wight. 

"  Dear  Christian  Friends, 

"  Although  I  have  been  prevented  fi-om  writing  to  you 
before,  by  daily  occupations,  I  have  borne  you  on  my  heart, 
and  lifted  up  my  prayers  to  God  for  your  welfare.  I  have 
been  received  by  my  old  friends  in  this  island  with  warm 
affection.  Some  whom  I  remembered,  have  gone  to  their 
rest,  and  are  with  the  Lord  ;  others  are  growing  old,  but 
God  blesses  them,  even  to  hoar  hairs.  Some  bring  their 
children,  and  their  children's  children  to  me,  and  bless  God 
for  their  piety,  tracing  it  to  the  prayers  we  formerly  offered 
up  together.  I  have  been  much  affected  in  visiting  the 
churchyard,  and  reading  the  names  of  so  many  of  my  old 
neighbours  inscribed  on  the  grave-stones.     Time  passes 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  289 

away eternity  is  at  hand.     You  have  also  been  reminded 

of  this  by  two  sudden  deaths  among  yourselves.     May 
such  things  be  deeply  impressed  upon  your  hearts. 

'*  I  long  much  for  your  stability  and  increase  in  the  grace 
of  Christ,  and  am  often  exercised  with  fears,  lest  the 
weakness  of  your  nature,  and  the  cares  of  the  world, 
should  beguile  any  of  you  into  inconsistencies  in  your 
Christian  course.  Look  well  to  your  families,  correct 
what  you  see  to  be  evil  in  them  ;  pray  much  for  your 
children,  and  set  them  an  example  of  holy  tempers ;  try  to 
do  all  the  good  you  can  ;  but  let  none  of  you  be  busy- 
bodies  and  tale-bearers  ;  this  is  the  bane  of  Christian  so- 
ciety. 

«  Be  very  kind,  respectful,  and  attentive  to  my  brethren, 
who  serve  the  church  in  my  absence.  Keep  close  together, 
and  strive  to  preserve  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace.  When  troubles  befall  me,  may  your  affection 
soothe  me  ;  where  I  am  deficient  and  wanting,  bear  with 
me ;  if  I  am  useful  to  you,  bless  God  alone  for  his  un- 
speakable mercy." 

We  have  already  alluded  to  the  illness  of  Mr.  Richmond's 
son  Wilberforce.  Mr.  Richmond  sent  him,  under  the  care 
of  his  son-in-law,  the  Kev.  James  Marshall,  to  try  the 
effects  of  a  sea  voyage  and  change  of  air,  as  well  as  for  the 
benefit  of  Dr.  S.'s  advice,  whose  success  in  several  instan- 
ces of  consumption  inspired  a  hope  in  the  anxious  parent, 
of  his  son's  recovery,  under  the  judicious  treatment  of  his 
highly  valued  firiend.  Mr.  Richmond  followed  his  son  in 
a  few  weeks,  and,  in  the  interval,  wrote  the  following  let- 
ters, which  we  have  selected  from. many  others. 

*'  My  ever  dear  Son, 

"  I  thank  you  for  your  letter,  and  am  glad  to  hear 
again  from  Mr.  Marshall  that  you  have  borne  your  travels 
so  far  well.  You  are  never  out  of  my  thoughts,  and  I  fol- 
low you  in  imagination  through  every  scene  of  your  occu- 
pation. But  there  is  an  eye  that  beholds  and  watches  over 
26 


i290  MEMOIRS    or    THE 

you,  as  I  cannot  do.  To  Him  I  confide,  and  commend 
you,  for  sickness  and  health,  for  time  and  eternity.  What 
a  word,  what  a  thought  is  eternity  !  Wliat  prospects  does 
it  set  before  us  !  What  inconceivable  mysteries  are  invol- 
ved in  it  ?  How  does  it  make  the  things  of  time  dwindle 
into  insignificance  I  But  what  questions  of  unspeakable 
import  are  involved  in  it !  Sin,  corrupt  nature,  a  broken 
law,  an  oflTended  God,  eternal  punishment ;  conscience, 
guilt,  regeneration,  salvation  by  Christ ;  faith,  hope,  love, 
iree  grace,  undeserved  mercy,  justification,  effectual  calling, 
adoption  into  God's  family,  pardon  of  sin,  consolation  in 
Christ,  heaven,  and  glory.  These,  and  a  thousand  accom- 
paniments, are  all  connected  with  the  idea,  and  the  reality 
of  eternity.  What  a  sad  proof  of  the  depravity  of  our 
hearts,  is  our  indiflference  towards  thinking,  and  our  back- 
wardness  towards  speaking  upon  those  things  which  belong 
to  our  everlasting  peace  ;  and  which,  nevertheless,  if  ne- 
glected, involve  our  eternal  ruin.  We  need  warnings,  and 
the  Lord  sends  them  in  many  ways.  Sickness,  pain,  be- 
reavements, losses,  disappointments  ;  all  bring  their  mes- 
sage with  them.  The  great  question  between  a  soul  and 
God,  is  not,  whether  we  admit  the  truths  of  the  Scripture 
into  our  understandings,  but  whether  they  are  so  applied 
to  our  hearts  as  to  have  wrought  a  change,  and  become 
vital  principles  of  faith  and  practice.  Nothing  short  of 
this,  can  afford  evidence  of  a  saved  and  safe  condition. 
There  is  an  action  of  the  soul,  by  which  it  rests  upon 
Christ,  and  all  that  he  has  done,  with  full  confidence  ;  arid 
this  produces  peace  in  the  conscience.  The  more  we  see 
of  ourselves  the  more  we  see  our  sin,  and  the  more  we 
see  our  sin  the  more  we  fly  to  the  death  and  righteousness 
of  Christ,  for  pardon,  deliverance,  and  hope.  We  behold 
not  only  his  sufficiency,  but  his  willingness,  to  save  the  chief 
of  sinners.  For  this,  we  love  him  ;  and,  if  we  love  him, 
we  desire,  and  endeavour  to  keep  his  commandments  ;  and 
this  is  the  way  of  salvation. 

"  Now,  does  my  dear  boy  view  this  in  all  its  integrity  ? 
-Do  the  experiences  of  the  past,  strengthened  by  all  the 


REV.  LEGII    RICHMOND.  ^91 

variety  and  succession  of  instruction,  which  you  have  from 
your  infancy  received,  work  together  to  this  great  end  ? — 
Can  you  be  satisfied  with  any  thing  short  of  this  ?  God 
forbid  !  Let  nothing  interrupt  you  in  this  continual  work 
of  self-examination  ;  and  let  self-examination  lead  you  to 
earnest  and  ardent  prayer.  Let  no  pursuits  of  literature, 
no  delights  of  sense,  no  passing  occurrences,  no  debility  of 
body,  no  inferior  subjects  of  recreation,  prevent  you  from 
keeping  your  thoughts  close  to  God,  and  to  eternity. 
Great  have  been  your  mercies,  may  your  gratitude  be 
great  likewise  I 

*»  Accustomed  as  I  am  to  close  and  faithful  dealings 
with  my  Christian  friends  and  flock,  it  would  ill  become  me 
to  be  silent  or  indifferent  where  my  dearly  beloved  child  is 
concerned.  Sickness  gives  both  you  and  me  a  wholesome 
admonition.  I  pray  God,  from  -the  depths  of  my  heart, 
that  we  may  each  of  us  improve  it  to  our  spiritual  welfare. 
God  may  have  great  things  to  accomplish  hereby  :  let  us 
believe  and  hope  so.  < 

"  I  had  much  pleasure  in  showing  you  London  ;  and,  if 
Providence  permit,  may  yet  have  more,  in  viewing  the  fine 
scenery  in  your  present  vicinity,  along  with  you  :  but  whe- 
ther amongst  the  beauties  of  art  or  nature,  never,  never 
cease  to  look  for  and  contemplate  the  God  both  of  crea- 
tion and  redemption,  in  the  midst  of  all.  Keep  a  continual 
watch  over  your  disposition,  temper,  and  thoughts.  There 
are  not  only  sins  of  the  temper,  but  of  the  understanding 
also  ;  and  pride,  in  every  form,  intellectual  as  well  as  sen- 
sual, must  be  brought  low.  *  Learn  of  me,'  said  the  Sa- 
viour, *  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  of  heart.'  I  write,  as  I 
would  talk  with  and  pray  for  you.  May  this  dispensation 
of  the  Almighty,  which  has,  for  the  present,  separated  us, 
and  given  us  cause  for  mucli  anxiety  on  your  account,  be 
a  season  of  much  profit  to  us  all !  Lay  these  things  to 
heart,  make  them  the  subject  of  unceasing  petition  at  that 
throne,  whence  no  believing  supplicants  are  ever  sent 
empty  away.  Wonder  not  that  \  cannot  rest  contented 
with  a  superficial  religion,  but  that  I  lock  for  a  deeply 


292  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

experimental  life  of  God  in  your  soul.  I  place  time  and 
eternity  before  me  in  holy  imagination.  I  strive,  as  it 
were,  to  penetrate  the  veil  which  separates  them,  and  to 
look  earnestly  at  those  things  which  belong  to  your  and  my 
everlasting  peace.  Forgive  me,  my  dear  child,  and  may 
God  forgive  me,  if  I  have  not  always  and  equally  pressed 
these  subjects  upon  your  personal  attention.  They  have 
ever  lain  near  to  my  heart,  and  you  have  had  multiplied 
opportunities  of  meditating  upon  them.  I  trust  you  have 
done  so.  But  let  me  know  more  and  more  of  your 
thoughts,  past  and  present.  My  Christian  and  parental 
peace  is  dependent  greatly  upon  it.  I  am  glad  that  our 
friend.  Dr.  Stewatt,  has  had  so  good  an  opportunity  of  stu- 
dying your  case.  You  are  in  the  Lord's  hands.  May  he 
overrule  every  thing  for  your  good.  May  our  confidence 
be  placed  only  where  it  is  due  ;  and  pray  for  your  father, 
and  your  father  shall  pray  for  you.  Amongst  the  books  in 
your  traveUing  library,  are  many  most  valuable  authors. 
Read,  mark,  learn,  and  inwardly  digest  what  they  say,  so 
far  as  you  find  time  and  strength  to  peruse  them.  Above 
all,  search  the  Scriptures,  for  in  them  you  have  eternal  life. 
Your  mother  sends  her  entire  and  most  affectionate  love 
to  you  :  your  sisters  and  brothers  the  same.  And  what 
shall  I  add  for  myself?  All  that  is  tender,  aflfectionate, 
parental,  and  Christian, 

"  From  your  father,    *  L.  R." 

*'  My  dear  Wilberforce, 

"  We  have  so  long  been  fellow-travellers  and  pilgrims 
together,  and  my  eye  and  my  heart  have  been  so  long  ac- 
customed to  watch  over  you,  that  1  cannot  help  wishing  to 
indulge  my  aflfectionate  feehngs,  by  giving  you  a  few  lines 
during  this  short  separation  ;  which,  short  as  it  has  been, 
never  ceases  to  present  my  dear  boy  to  imagination  and 
recollection.  I  have  reason  to  think,  and  perhaps  the  fault 
is  my  own,  that  you  are  but  imperfectly  aware  of  my  strong 
and  anxious  feelings  toward  you,  with  respect  both  to  your 
temporal  and  spiritual  welfare.      I  sometimes  fancy  1  sec 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  293 

this  in  your  manner,  and  it  hurls  me.  I  say  little^  or  pro- 
bably nothing  ;  but  my  heart  is  alive  to  great  sensibilities. 
Rest  assured,  my  much-loved  child,  that  at  ail  past  periods, 
but  most  especially  since  it  has  pleased  God  to  put  your 
health,  and  of  course  with  it  your  life,  to  so  marked  a  trial, 
I  liave  not  ceased,  for  a  single  hour  (and  I  can  hardly  ex- 
cept the  dreaming  hours  of  the  nighl,)  to  make  your  com- 
fort and  prosperity  the  subject  of  my  prayers  and  solicitude. 
When  you  may  least  have  suspected  it  from  my  ordinary 
manner,  even  my  silence  has  spoken  to  God  in  your  behalf. 
Many  and  deep  have  been  my  meditations,  as  we  ascended 
the  hills,  and  descended  the  vales  of  Scotland  ;  or  as  we 
plowed  the  waters  with  our  prows  and  paddles.  I  have 
often  experienced  a  kind  of  stupid  impotency  of  utterance, 
when  my  heart  has  been  animated  and  full  You  likewise 
manifest  a  sort  of  reserve  on  the  subject  of  personal  reli- 
gion, which  checks,  and  sometimes  chills  my  rising  incli- 
nation to  more  unreserved,  free,  congenial,  and  comforta- 
ble conversation.  I  wish  all  this  to  vanish  ;  and  that 
whatever  may  be  the  will  of  God  concerning  you,  the  fu- 
ture days  which  his  providence  may  permit  us  mutually  to 
spend  together,  may  be  more  distinctly  marked  by  free  and 
affectionate  communications.  But  far,  far  above  all,  it  is 
my  cherished  and  anxious  hope,  that  you  may  evince  an 
increasing  love  to  spiritual  things,  to  reading,  conversing, 
and  meditating  upon  the  things  which  belong  to  your  ever- 
lasting peace.  You  have  had  your  warning  as  to  the  deli- 
cate and  precarious  tenure,  by  which  life,  health,  and 
youthful  vigour  are  held.  Every  day  and  hour  still  reminds 
you  of  the  uncertainty  of  all  things  future,  so  far  as  thi>^ 
world  is  concerned.  And  such  warnings  arc  unspeakable 
mercies,  designed  by  God  for  the  most  wise  and  benevolent 
purposes. 

"  The  season  of  amended  health,  and  present  suspension 
of  painful  and  distressing  symptoms,  is  precisely  that  in 
which  your  heart  should  exercise  a  peculiar  jealousy  over 
itself,  lest  the  comparative  trifles  of  this  world,  and  the  en- 
snaring affections  of  tlie  flesh,  should  deaden  your  feelings 

26* 


!294  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

about  the  grand  question,  *  What  are  the  evidences  of  my 
salvation  ?  What  have  I  done,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?' 
Other  studies  than  those  directly  rehgious,  may^  doubtless, 
have  their  due  and  subordinate  place.  Other  books  than  the 
Holy  Scriptures  and  their  expositions,  may  also  have  their 
moderated  share  of  our  attention ;  but  if  any  human  study,  or 
any  human  book,  have  more  of  our  love  and  attention,  than 
those  which  directly  lead  our  hearts  to  God,  something  must 
be  very  wrong.  Idols  force  themselves  upon  our  notice  every- 
where, and  lawful  things  may  become  idols  by  the  abuse  of 
them,  and  the  suffering  them  to  usurp  the  first  place  in  the 
heart's  affections.  Never  be  contented  with  slight  and 
general  hopes  of  all  bemg  right  within  ;  but  seek  and  strive 
afler  clear  and  particular  evidences,  that  you  '  know  whom 
you  have  trusted,'  for  time  and  eternity.  1  earnestly  en- 
treat you  to  examine  yourself  daily  on  scriptural  principles, 
that  you  may  the  more  ardently  throw  yourself  on  the 
mercy  of  a  covenant  God,  for  the  forgiveness  of  your  sins, 
the  renovation  of  your  heart,  and  the  guidance  of  your 
judgment.  Never  be  satisfied  with  an  avowedly  imperfect 
Christianity.  A  half  Christian  is  no  Christian,  nor  is  he 
accepted  of  God.  Christ  is  a  whole,  perfect,  and  finished 
Saviour ;  and  whosoever  is  a  partaker  of  Christ,  is  a  par- 
taker of  all  that  he  is,  all  that  he  has  done,  and  all  that  he 
will  do,  for  the  complete  salvation  of  all  his  chosen.  De- 
cency, formality,  and  cold  ceremonial  worship,  are  poor 
and  inefficacious  substitutes  for  heart-service,  holy  affec- 
tions, trust  in  a  Saviour,  and  love  to  God.  Not  unfrequent 
are  the  times,  and  your  dear  mother  oflen  experiences 
them  also,  when  the  immensity  of  that  question,  '  Am  I  his, 
or  am  I  not  ?'  overwhelms  me  ;  and  I  should  sink  in  des- 
pondency, if  the  pure,  undeserved,  and  inexpressible  mercy 
of  God  did  not  direct  my  soul  to  the  Redeemer's  blood, 
which,  when  believed  in,  and  applied  to  the  guilty  and 
trembling  conscience,  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  opens  the 
door  to  hope  and  consolation.  May  my  beloved  child  flee 
to  the  same  fountain  with  genuine  humiliation,  and  find  the 
like  deliverance  :  and  may  his  anxious  parents  be  made  so 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  ^5 

far  partakers  of  his  thoughts,  as  to  feel  strong  in  the  Lord 
on  Aw  account.  My  raind  was  much  affected  when  I  first 
received  you  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and  my  heart  went 
out  in  lively  prayer,  that  you  might  also  be  received  of  God 
—owned,  honoured,  and  accepted,  as  a  child  of  heaven. 
Live,  speak,  and  act  as  a  consistent  communicant  of  the 
church  ;  the  vows  of  the  Lord  are  upon  you  ;  but  if  all  be 
right,  you  will  find  that  his  yoke  is  easy,  and  his  burden 
light.  I  wish  to  look  upon  you,  not  only  as  my  child  by 
nature,  but  as  my  spiritual  child,  and  therefore  (without  a 
paradox,)  my  spiritual  brother.  Sweet  associations  of  re- 
lationship are  formed  in  the  family  of  God  and  the  house* 
hold  of  faith.  Many  tender  and  affectionate  prayers  have 
been  daily  offered  up  for  you  among  the  poor  people  of 
Turvey,  as  I  have  several  testimonies  to  prove.  The  night 
before  I  set  out  to  meet  you  at  Glasgow,  the  belfry  was 
fdled  with  weeping  and  praying  souls  ;  whose  feeUngs  were 
most  tender  in  your  behalf.  We  shall  soon  return  to  them 
again,  God  willing  ;  and  may  those  prayers,  united  to  my 
own,  be  fully  answered  in  the  gracious  state  of  your  soul, 
as  well  as  in  the  comfort  of  your  boilily  health.  But  we 
must,  as  to  the  latter,  await  the  Lord's  will.  He  doeth, 
and  will  do,  all  things  well.  Meditate  on  these  things,  and 
may  you  and  I  mutally  reap  the  benefit  of  such  exercises  ol' 
your  heart  As  you  read  this  letter,  cherish  a  tender  as 
well  as  a  dutiful  sentiment  towards  him  who  penned  it,  and 
accept  it  as  one  more  token  of  that  deep-seated  love  which 
I  bear  towards  you,  and  which  must  increasingly  subsist, 
while  /  remain  a  fa  (her,  and  you  a  son. 

"  I  yesterday  enjoyed  the  high  mental  luxury  of  walking 
in  the  broad  aisle  of  York  Minster,  quite  alone,  during  the 
morning  service.  As  often  before,  such  sights  and  such 
sounds  compelled  me  to  weep  ;  and  as  I  was  solitary',  no- 
thing interrupted  the  flow  of  my  heart.  I  recollected  be- 
ing there  once  with  you,  and  I  have  not  forgotten  how 
much,  if  I  mistake  not,  your  infant  heart  was  also  affected 
at  that  time.  Whether  we  shall  ever  again  meet  together, 
in  that  magnificent  and  astonishing  fabric,  I  know  not ;  but, 


'296  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

oh  !  may  God  grant  that  we  finally  meet  in  the  *  house  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.'  " 

In  the  month  of  October,  Mr.  Richmond  joined  his  son 
in  Scotland  ;  and  after  various  alterations  of  hope  and  fear 
in  this  treacherous  and  delusive  disorder,  they  returned  to- 
gether to  Turvey,  without  any  vi.^ible  amendment  in  the 
dear  invalid. 

The  period  was  now  approaching  when  this  youth,  tlie 
subject  of  many  prayers  and  (bnd  anticipations,  was  to  be 
removed  from  this  earthly  scene.  The  wasted  form,  the 
hectic  look,  the  sunken  eye,  and  the  increasing  difficulty  of 
respiration,  all  denoted  that  the  hour  of  dissolution  was  at 
hand.  He  looked  like  a  tender  flower  nipped  in  the  bud  ; 
but  it  was  a  flower  soon  to  bloom  in  the  paradise  of  God. 
His  Christian  graces  had  been  gradually  unfolding,  and  his 
mind  carried  through  a  state  of  anxious  inquiry  and  close 
examination,  till  it  was  able  to  rest  in  full  confidence  on 
the  grace  and  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  He  disco- 
vered the  most  earnest  desire  for  satisfaction,  both  as  to 
the  ground  of  his  hope,  and  its  necessary  evidence. 

To  a  friend,  who  frequently  visited  him,  he  said,  "  I  wish 
to  be  under  no  mistake  or  delusion,  in  a  matter  of  so  much 
importance  as  the  salvation  of  my  immortal  soul.  Tell 
me  where  you  think  I  am  defective  in  my  views,  or  wanting 
in  the  experience  of  their  power.  Deal  faithfully  with  me, 
do  not  deceive  me  ;  and  pray  for  me,  above  all,  that  I  may 
not  deceive  myself." 

To  the  writer,  a  fortnight  before  his  death,  he  expressed 
himself  as  follows  :  "  I  trust  1  have  the  Christian's  hope, 
but  I  want  more  of  it.  I  want  more  of  that  hungering  and 
thirsting  after  righteousness,  which  the  Saviour  has  pro- 
mised to  satisfy — which  we  ought  to  have  at  all  times  ;  but 
which,  if  we  have  not  in  death,  what  is  our  hope,  and  how 
can  we  be  prepared  to  die  ?" 

The  last  visit  was  still  more  aflTecting  :  it  was  only  two 
days  before  his  end.  He  was  sitting  in  an  arm  chair,  sup- 
ported with  cushions,  and  seemed  to  be  in  a  very  exhausted 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  297 

state.  His  father  sat  opposite  to  bim,  in  whose  counte- 
nance was  depicted  the  struggle  of  nature  and  of  grace  ; — 
of  nature,  for  he  was  about  to  lose  his  child, — of  grace,  for 
that  child  was  already  on  the  very  threshold  of  glory.  In 
another  part  of  the  room  were  three  or  four  of  his  brothers 
and  sisters,  some  of  them  in  tears.  *•  Speak  to  this  dear 
boy."  said  the  father,  addressing  himself  to  me,  **  and  ques- 
tion him  about  his  hopes  " 

I  sat  down  at  his  side-  and  taking  him  by  the  hand,  said. 
"  Can  you,  my  dear  boy,  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  and  say  with  David,  '  I  fear  no  evil.'  " 
"  Yes,  I  trust  so."  "  What  is  the  ground  of  your  trust  ?'* 
"  It  is,  because  his  *  rod  and  his  staff  they  comfort  me.'  " 
"  Have  you  any  doubts  to  be  removed  ?"  "I  had  many 
misgivings,  but  God  has  mercifully  taken  them  all  away." 
**  Do  you  love  him  ?"  "  I  hope  I  do,  but  I  wish  I  loved 
him  more."  *'  You  have  been  long  ill ;  do  you  feel  weary 
of  sickness  ?"  "I  feel  more  weary  of  sin,  and  long  for  the 
time  when  it  will  be  laid  aside  for  ever."  "  Does  the  hope 
of  heaven  animate  and  support  you,  and  is  it  often  the  sub- 
ject of  your  meditations?"  "Yes,  1  have  been  thinking  of 
it  with  great  delight  this  very  morning,  and  almost  seem  to 
have  entered  within  its  blest  abodes." 

I  then  read  to  him  that  beautiful  chapter  in  the  Revela- 
tions (the  22d,)  descriptive  of  a  state  of  blessedness.  His 
attention  was  peculiarly  arrested.  After  I  had  finished, 
»*  This  happiness,"  I  said,  "  will  soon  be  yours,  and  the  por- 
tion of  all  who  die  in  the  Lord."  Then  gathering  his  bro- 
thers and  sisters  around  us,  I  requested  him  to  bear  his  dying 
testimony  to  the  value  of  the  Gospel  in  this  trying  hour. 

He  spoke  tenderly  and  affectionately  to  all ;  and  then 
particularly  addressing  himself  to  his  brother  Henry,  re- 
marked— **  My  dear  father  once  hoped  to  see  me  a  minister 
in  the  church.  It  has  pleased  God  to  disappoint  that 
hope.  Do  you  fulfil  it,  in  my  place,  and  be  a  comfort  to 
my  father,  when  1  am  gone." 

Three  days  afterward,  Jan.  16,  1825,  his  happy  spirit 
took  its  flight  to  the  mansions  of  the  blessed. 


298  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

The  following  letters  are  pleasing  testimonies  to  the 
piety  of  the  departed  child,  and  the  resignation  of  the  be- 
reaved parent. 

*'  My  much-loved  Son, 

"  Amidst  many  arduous  struggles  between  nature  and 
grace,  sorrow  and  joy,  anxieiy  and  consolation,  I  wish  to 
express  a  few  of  my  feelinj's  towards  you.  A  very  few 
they  must  be,  compared  with  the  volume  of  emotions  which 
agitate  my  heart.  But  thar.ks  be  to  God,  grace,  peace, 
and  mercy  have  been  so  abundantly  inscribed  upon  the  whole 
of  this  affecting  transaction,  that  I  ought  solely  to  be  oc- 
cupied in  songs  of  praise  to  God,  for  all  his  goodness  to  me 
and  mine.  The  delightful  enlargement  of  heart,  the  liberty 
of  tongue,  the  humiliation  of  soul,  the  affectionate  tender- 
ness, the  sweet  serenity  of  mind,  the  dignity  of  sentiment, 
the  laboriously  acquired  intimacy  with  the  Scriptures,  the 
earnestness  to  speak  to,  exhoi  t-  and  comfort  each  and  every 
individual,  the  devotional  spirit,  the  clearness  of  doctrinal 
views,  and  their  blessed  application  in  imparting  solid  peace 
and  comfort,  in  the  prospect  of  dying,  all  of  which  illus- 
trated and  adorned  his  latter  end,  were  beyond  my  most 
sanguine  expectation  :  it  was,  and  shall  be,  matter  for  joy 
and  gratitude. 

"We  have  now  found  letters,  some  of  them  near  four 
years  old,  and  others  written  while  he  was  in  Scotland, 
beautifully  descriptive  of  this  state  of  mind;  while  the  con- 
versations— close,  deep,  and  searching — which  I  enjoyed 
with  him  during  his  last  formight,  produced  the  most  con- 
vincing demonstrations  that  he  had  been  ripening  for  glory, 
beyond  our  thoughts  and  imagination.  For  a  season,  ho 
was  reserved  towards  me,  relative  to  personal  feelings  ;  but 
at  length,  of  his  own  accord,  he  broke  out  like  the  sun 
from  behind  a  cloud,  and  light  diffused  itself  over  the  whole 
moral  and  spiritual  landscape. 

"  It  was  gratifying  to  m^  to  find  that  the  humiliation  of 
his  spirit  was  precisely  such  as  1  particularly  wished  to  see 
it.     For  four  or  five  days  previous  to  the  arrival  of  my  wife 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  299 

and  FannVj  God  so  mercifully  ordered  it,  that  he  said  every 
thing  to  me,  and  I  to  him,  wiiich  T  could  possibly  have 
wished.  Our  whole  souls,  on  almost  every  topic  of  feeling, 
opinion,  confidence,  faithful  dealing,  and  unreserved  afiec- 
tion,  were  mutually  opened.  Oh !  they  were  sweet  days. 
The  pressure  of  weakness,  disease,  and  pain,  often  after- 
ward interrupted  our  lengthened  communications  ;  but 
sweeter  and  brighter  still  weie  the  intervals  of  ease  and 
short  conversation.  Many  witnessed  his  lovely  testimonies, 
and  none  can  ever  forget  them. 

♦*  Two  hours  and  a  half  before  his  death,  he  went  to  bed, 
and  laid  his  head  upon  the  pillow.  I  said  to  him — *  So  he 
giveth  his  beloved  rest.'  He  replied,  *  Yes  ;  and  sweet 
indeed  is  the  rest  which  Christ  gives.'  He  never  awoke 
from  this  sleep  :  but  when  we  dreaded,  from  past  examples, 
a  painful  waking,  he  imperceptibly  went  off,  in  perfect 
l>eace,  without  a  sigh  or  groan,  or  struggle,  or  even  open- 
ing of  the  eye.  I  did  not  suppose  it  possible  for  any  death 
to  be  such  as  this.  Peace,  rest,  gentleness,  faith,  hope, 
and  love,  all  seemed  to  be  the  characteristics  of  his  mind 
and  of  his  dissolution.  Oh  !  what  love,  what  mercy,  what 
grace ! 

"  One  of  the  most  remarkable  circumstances  attending 
him  was,  his  secret  and  deep  exercise  of  heart  and  study  of 
the  Scriptures,  beyond  my  own  sujiposition,  owing  to  his 
reserve  and  silence.  I  saw  much  that  I  loved  and  admired, 
but  I  was  not  aware  of  the  half.  Our  feelings  are  much 
tried,  in  proportion  to  the  endearing  nature  of  our  past  and 
recent  intercourse.  But,  as  he  often  said,  *'  1  know  whom 
I  have  trusted,"  and  this  relieves  and  consoles  me.  He 
was  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea  that  his  removal  was 
designed  for  the  spiritual  good  of  others.  I  think  it  is  ma- 
nifest already,  in  more  instances  than  one? 

"  The  whole  village  has  been  much  in  prayer  and  weep- 
ing, for  some  weeks  past,  and  the  tenderest  affections  have 
prevailed  throughout :  it  is  a  season  of  much  love. 

«  On  Sunday,  Mr.  Ayre  will  preach  a  funeral  sermon 
for  our  dear  boy  ;  and  a  beautiful  hymn  of  Bishop  Heber 
will  be  sung  by  the  congregation. 


300  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

"  Give  my  tenderest  love  to  dear  Mary.      Comfort  her 
heart ;  and  may  the  peace  of  God,  whicli  passeth  all  un-         J 
derstanding,  keep  her's  and  your  heart."  ' 

"  To  the  Rev.  James  AtarshcdV 

"  My  ever  dear  Child, 

*»  And  now  to  the  subject  which  occupies  by  far  the 
greater  part  of  my  thoughts,  by  day  and  by  night.  1 
should  find  it  no  easy  task  to  describe  the  state  of  my  feel- 
ings. No  previous  event  of  my  life,  with  the  exception  of 
what  passed  during  your  beloved  mother's  dangerous  ill- 
ness, near  ten  years  since,  ever  exercised  my  heart  like 
this.  And,  as  that  illness  termmated  favourably,  the  cir- 
cumstances no  longer  assimilate.  Dear,  blessed  boy,  I 
watched  over  and  cherished  his  infancy,  childhood,  and 
youth,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  for  eighteen  years,  with  no 
common  measure  of  parental  feeling.  I  delighted  in  his 
superior  mind  ;  endeavoured  to  check  its  errors,  and  to 
cherish  its  virtues ;  and  too  fondly  hoped  that  he  might 
have  been  spared  as  an  ornament  to  the  sanctuary.  From 
the  beginning  of  last  summer,  I  went  on  pilgrimage  with 
him,  both  for  his  soul  and  body's  sake.  God  alone  knows 
what  I  endured,  in  the  inmost  thoughts  of  my  heart.  But 
the  Lord  was  ordering  all  things  well,  beyond  what  I  con- 
ceived. The  most  valuable  intercourse  which  I  enjoyed 
with  him  during  our  Scotch  residence,  was  in  those  hours 
after  breakfast,  when,  as  you  may  remember,  I  used  to 
read,  talk,  and  pray  with  him,  previous  to  his  receiving  the 
sacrament  at  Greenock.  I  then  saw  many  lovely  testimo- 
nies of  his  state  of  mind.  After  his  return  home,  he  was 
more  reserved  as  to  the  personal  question,  although  ever 
ready  to  converse  on  the  general  subjects  of  religion,  and 
that  with  much  clearness  and  precision.  But  at  length  his 
sweet  sunshine  broke  from  the  cloud,  and  filled  the  horizon 
most  beautifully.  We  poured  out  our  whole  hearts  to 
each  other,  and  mutually  blessed  God  for  the  liberty  of 
feelmg  and  language  which  we  obtained.      I  felt  much 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  301 

when  he  had  just  departed,  but  I  think  I  feel  more  now. 
\  thousand  spiritual  questions  press  upon  my  conscience 
and  consideration.  Regrets,  convictions,  meltings,  hopes, 
fears,  doubts,  resolutions,  anxieties,  joys,  retrospections, 
anticipations,  all  mingle,  all  exercise,  all  agitate  my  heart. 
It  was  his  declared  and  solemn  impression,  that  his  death 
was  to  be  as  life  to  others.  Thank  God  I  see  it  so,  both 
in  the  house  and  the  parish — an  important  work*  is  going 
on  in  both,  beyond  former  precedent.  T  have  not  seen  the 
like  before,  to  the  same  extent.     Blessed  be  God ! 

"  Dear  Willy  told  me,  on  the  Monday  evening  before  he 

died,  that  Mr.  M 's  affectionate  attentions  to  him  had 

never  been  exceeded  by  those  of  a  real  brother  ;  and  that 
he  should  love  him  dearly  as  long  as  he  lived,  and  '  much 
longer,*  he  said,  '  if  such  consciousness  shall  be  permitted. 
And,  dear  Mary,'  he  added  <  '  how  kind  she  was  to  us  all, 
last  summer !  1  shall  not  see  her  again,  on  earth,  but  I 
trust  we  shall  meet  hereafter !'  Our  last  Lord's  supper 
was  a  very  affecting  and  trying  one  :  the  family  kneeled 
around  the  grave  to  which  we  had  recently  committed  the 
mortal  remains  of  one  so  dear.  I  stood  upon  the  very 
spot ;  and,  dear  Henry,  for  the  first  time,  came  weeping, 
trembling,  and  rejoicing,  to  supply  his  departed  brother's 
place.  I  could  hardly  have  conceived  that,  after  so  long 
meditating  upon  the  probable  removal  of  my  child  from 
this  mortal  scene,  I  should  have  had  such  exquisitely  trying 
emotions  to  undergo.  How  little  we  know  ourselves,  until 
we  are  put  to  the  proof! 

And  now,  my  dear  little  grand-children,  how  do  they 
both  do  ?  Your  little  boy  seemed  to  come  into  the  world 
to  keep  up  our  number.  I  have  nine  children  on  earth, 
and  three  in  heaven  :  but  1  now  seem  again  to  have  eleven 
on  earth ;  and,  with  dear  Mr.  Marshall,  it  is  once  more 
twelve.'* 

The  same  year,  Mr.  Richmond  married:his  third  daugh- 
ter, Henrietta,  to  the  Rev.  John  Ayre,  his  friend  and  cu- 
27 


302  UEMOIRS    OF    THE 

rate,  now  tlie  classical  tutor  of  the  Church  Missionary 
college,  at  Islington. 

It  was  a  great  solace,  in  the  midst  of  his  affliction,  to 
unite  his  child  with  a  gentleman  whose  principles  he  cor- 
dially approved,  and  who  was  in  full  possession  of  his  con- 
fidence and  esteem. 

The  following  letters  were  addressed  by  Mr.  Richmond 
to  his  son-in-law  and  daughter,  previous  to  their  marriage. 

"  My  dear  Henrietta, 

"  Take,  my  beloved  child,  a  father's  blessing,  prayers, 
best  wishes,  and  approval  of  your  affectionate  project.  I 
hope  the  matter  is  of  God,  or  I  could  not  say  what  I  have 
done.  The  apostolical  rule  is  to  ^  marry  only  in  the  Lord  ;' 
and  every  Chiistian  should  be  guided  by  it.  Earthly  af- 
fection, however  powerful,  is  not,  of  itself,  a  warrant  for 
the  nuptial  union.  Where  passion  drives  the  steeds,  by 
which  the  vehicle  of  our  plans  and  endeavours  is  carried 
forward,  we  may  expect,  sooner  or  later,  an  overturn. 
But  when  the  heavenly  Spirit  of  truth  and  peace  guides 
and  governs  our  machinery  of  conduct,  all  is  right  and 
safe.  Now  I  am  full  of  hope,  from  Mr.  Ayre's  and  your 
letters,  that  this  is  the  case.  Real  Christianity  as  a  foun- 
dation, with  personal  esteem  and  affection,  united  to  con- 
geniality of  feelings  on  all  important  subjects,  as  a  super- 
structure, will  ever  make  the  marriage  union  a  source  of 
happiness  for  both  worlds. 

"  I  am  disposed  to  concur  with  you  in  thinking  that  my 
esteemed  friend's  principles,  acquirements,  talents,  and 
steadiness  of  character,  are  good  pledges  for  his  success  in 
life  ;  and  as  Providence,  not  design,  first  brought  you  to- 
gether, and  seems  to  have  guided  you  both,  I  feel  myself 
yustified  in  joining  my  consent  and  sanction  to  the  future 
realizing  of  those  views  which  form  the  subject  of  his  and 
your  letters  to  me.  May  constancy,  faithfulness,  and  re- 
ciprocal love,  characterise  your  attachment,  and  adorn 
your  conduct.     liCt  prudence,  propriety,  and  considera- 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  303 

lion,  regulate  all  your  behaviour,  during  the  interval  which 
must  naturally  elapse,  before  all  is  concluded.  Keep  in 
mind  the  dignity  as  well  as  the  kindliness  of  the  Christian 
lover  ;  courtship  and  marriage  are  honourable  in  all,  when 
principle  and  grace  direct  our  choice.  May  you  prove  a 
blessing  to  each  other,  and  may  the  love  of  God  be  shed 
abroad  in  both  your  hearts  1" 

"  My  dear  friend, 

*  «  «  ♦  »  *     4 

« I  trust  the  providence  of  God  is  in  the  matter,  and 
that  you  and  my  dear  child  will  be  guided  for  the  best  in 
every  thing  connected  with  the  subject.  My  prayer  is, 
that  grace  may  reign  throughout,  and  that  you  may  prove 
helpmates  to  each  other  in  your  pilgrimage  through  this  to 
a  better  world. 

"  My  heart  often  sinks  within  me,  when  I  see  how  little 
solid,  sterling,  vital  piety^  manifests  itself  even  among 
many  creditable  Christians.  I  the  more  earnestly  pray  for 
myself,  and  for  all  belonging  to  me,  that  we  may  walk  cir- 
cumspectly, redeeming  the  time  amidst  evil  days.  How 
much  more  of  the  Spirit's  influence  do  we  all  need  !  When 
I  look  back  upon  a  half  century  of  rational  existence,  I 
blush,  and  take  shame  to  myself  How  much  done  which 
I  might  wish  undone  ;  and  not  done.,  that  ought  to  have 
been  done.  The  Publican's  prayer  is  mine,  and  will  alono 
suit  me.  even  to  my  dying  hour. 

♦*  Farewell,  for  a  short  interval,  and  believe  me, 
*»  Affectionately,  yours, 

Leoh  Richmond." 

The  marriage  between  Mr.  Ayre  and  Mr.  Richmond's 

daughter  H ,  took  place  in  the  beginning  of  July. 

The  affection  displayed  by  the  villagers  on  this  occasion, 
was  truly  gratifying  to  the  feelings  of  the  family.  When 
the  parly  arrived  at  the  church,  they  found  the  walls  de- 
corated with  evergreens,  and  the  pavement  leading  to  the 
altar  strewed  with  flowers.     Two  hearts,  formed  with  the 


304  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

heads  of  flowers,  and  the  words  "  May  God  bless  you  V 
traced  in  the  same  manner  underneath,  exhibited  both  the 
taste  and  the  affection  of  the  parish  clerk.  This  rustic 
attempt  at  elegance,  so  unsought  for,  and  unexpected  on 
the  part  of  the  family,  was  a  pleasing  testimony  to  the  in- 
terest excited  in  the  parish,  by  every  event  connected  with 
their  beloved  pastor. 

We  have  already  mentioned  the  disappointment  of  Mr. 
Richmond  with  respect  to  his  eldest  son,  and  the  choice 
made  by  the  youth  of  a  seafaring  life.  The  affectionate 
father  committed  his  son  to  the  Lord,  with  an  unshaken 
reliance  on  the  truth  and  faithfulness  of  his  promises ;  and 
he  lived  to  realize  their  fulfilment  in  the  conversion  of  his 
child  ;  who  being  preserved  in  the  midst  of  perils,  by 
some  very  extraordinary  interpositions  of  divine  .Provi- 
dence, was  at  length  brought  to  acknowledge  the  mighty 
hand  that  had  smitten  him — not  to  destroy,  but  to  save. 

He  had  been  employed  in  different  merchant  vessels, 
sailing  from  Bencoolen,  Calcutta,  and  other  parts  of  India, 
to  the  Isle  of  France  and  Gibraltar.  From  the  latter 
place,  he  wrote  to  his  father  in  the  years  1820  and  1821, 
strongly  urging  a  meeting  between  them.  His  letters  had 
been  expressive  of  much  affection,  contrition  for  the  past, 
and  sincere  desires  of  amendment.  Several  persons  who 
had  opportunities  of  observing  him,  bore  pleasing  testi- 
mony to  the  change  of  his  character  and  conduct.  Among 
these  were  Mr.  Chater,  a  missionary  at  Ceylon  ;  Mr. 
Rees,  another  missionary,  at  Gibraltar  ;  and  Lieutenant 
Bailey,  R.  N.,  of  the  same  place,  who  gave  a  decisive 
proof  of  his  confidence >  by  entrusting  him  with  the  care 
of  his  son.  The  offi'^ers  under  whom  he  had  served  also 
spoke  highly  of  his  attention,  and  general  propriety  of 
behaviour. 

The  following  interesting  letter  gives  an  affecting  des- 
cription of  his  shipwreck,  and  the  state  of  his  feelings  in 
those  awful  circumstances. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND. 


305 


"  My  dear  Father, 

«  We  left  Calcutta  in  May,  and  proceeded  as  far  as 
Sauger  Island,  on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  when  the 
weather  began  to  look  very  unsettled.  Another  ship  and 
a  large  brig,  were  in  company  with  us.  On  the  evening 
of  the  27th,  about  an  hour  before  dark,  the  Oracabessa 
began  to  drive.  A  perfect  hurricane  ensued,  and  such  a 
sea  got  up,  that  the  ship  was  continually  burying  herself 
under  water,  which  prevented  the  people  from  working 
forward.  We  could  now  do  nothing  farther — every  thing 
having  been  attempted,  to  avoid  the  dreadful  fate  that 
seemed  to  await  us.  I  seized  this  opportunity  to  go  down 
to  my  cabin,  to  pray  to  the  Lord  for  his  divine  assistance 
and  protection.  In  the  midst  of  ray  prayers  and  tears,  the 
ship  struck  on  a  sand,  at  a  quarter  before  nine  o'clock  ; 
with  such  a  shock  as  to  throw  down  several  persons,  and 
make  me  stagger  on  my  knees. 

*♦  Every  thing  was  now  in  confusion,  as  the  ship  continu- 
ed striking  very  hard.  There  was  nothing  but  one  wild 
surf  around  us,  and  a  raging  sea  beating  all  over, — the 
wind  blowing  a  complete  hurricane.  However,  in  two 
hours,  an  excellent  raft  was  made,  capable  of  carrying 
from  thirty  to  forty  people.  As  the  flood  made,  we  again 
struck  violently,  and  the  ship  sprung  a  leak.  But  as  every 
thing  was  now  in  readiness  to  meet  the  worst,  we  anxiously 
waited  for  day-light. 

"  In  the  meantime,  I  again  went  below,  and  prayed  with 
heart  and  soul  to  Almighty  God,  to  save  us.  My  prayers 
were  answered  sooner  than  could  be  expected  ;  for  a  cer- 
tain something,  a  kind  of  comfortable  thought,  seemed  to 
arise  within  me,  and  say,  •  Thy  life  shall  be  saved !'  And 
not  all  the  shocks,  seas,  or  wind,  afterwards,  could  make 
me  think,  or  fear,  the  contrary.  Surely,  there  never  was 
a  greater  proof  of  the  Lord  being  with  us  :  it  animated 
and  comforted  me,  and  made  me  work  and  exert  myself 
with  double  energy.  During  a  great  part  of  this  time,  it 
rained  violently,  with  thunder  and  lightning. 
27* 


306 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


"  Long-wished-for  daylight  at  length  came  ;  when, 
having  put  a  few  small  things  into  the  boats,  we  abandoned 
the  unfortunate  ship,  making  our  way  through  dreadful 
breakers  ;  in  which,  had  the  boat  touched,  we  must  ine- 
vitably have  perished." 

In  another  letter,  written  about  the  same  time,  he  re- 
marks : — 

"  Oh  !  my  good  father  !.  no  one  can  conceive  the  horrors 
of  shipwreck,  but  those  who  have  experienced  them. 
Many  grateful  and  heartfelt  thanks  to  that  divine  Provi- 
dence, that  has  again  saved  me  from  a  watery  grave  ! 

"  In  this  unfortunate  occurrence,  I  have  lost  every  thing. 
My  loss  in  private  speculation  is  3500  rupees.  My  books, 
furniture,  and  wearing  apparel,  together  with  *  The  British 
Encyclopedia,'  are  all  gone,  and  amount  to  a  considerable 
sum.  I  saved  nothing  but  a  very  small  trunk,  in  which, 
prior  to  my  leaving  the  ship,  I  put  my  Bible  and  the  *  An- 
nals of  the  Poor,'  with  two  suits  of  clothes  and  my  watch. 
How  my  hopes  and  expectations  are  frustrated  !  Oh,  that 
all  this  may  be  for  my  good  !  I  have  now  to  begin  the 
world  again  ;  and  hope  to  do  so  in  reality,  and  in  more  re- 
spects than  one." 

Nugent  arrived  at  Calcutta  in  a  most  destitute  state. 
Through  the  great  kindness  and  benevolent  exertions  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomason,  to  whom  he  made  himself  known, 
a  subscription  was  raised  for  him,  out  of  respect  to  his 
father,  amounting  to  100  guineas  ;  by  means  of  which,  he 
was  provided  with  necessary  comforts. 

This  calamity  was  rendered  the  more  distressing  to  him, 
by  its  occasioning  the  suspension  of  his  marriage  with  a 
young  lady  at  Calcutta,  of  pious  character  and  principles, 
to  whom  he  was  engaged.  Anxious  to  repair  his  past 
misfortunes,  he  obtained  an  eligible  employment  on  board 
another  vessel ;  and  Hkewise  a  promise,  on  the  part  of  the 
young  lady,  that  if  his  circumstances  then  enabled  him  to 
marry,  she  would  unite  herself  to  him  on  his  return. 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  307 

His  new  speculations  having  proved  successful,  he  once 
more  returned  to  Calcutta,  full  of  the  image  of  the  happi- 
ness that  awaited  him,  and  disposed  to  forget  the  past,  in 
the  brightening  prospects  of  the  future.  But  who  shall 
describe  the  bitter  anguish  of  his  mind,  when,  on  present- 
ing himself  at  the  well-known  house  where  he  had  left  his 
intended  bride,  he  found  the  family  in  deep  mourning,  and 
received  the  melancholy  intelligence  of  her  death.  She 
had  been  seized  with  a  fever,  which  carried  her  oflf  a  few 
days  before  his  arrival ! 

While  Mr.  Richmond  was  visiting  the  Isle  of  Wight,  in 
August,  1825,  to  recover  the  shock  which  his  health  and 
spirits  had  sustained  from  tlie  death  of  his  son  Wilberforce, 
some  indistinct  rumours  reached  him  respecting  that  of  his 
son  Nugent.  He  had  received  communications  from  him, 
stating  his  intention  to  revisit  England  ;  and  declaring, 
that  the  two  happiest  days  of  his  life  would  be,  "  first, 
when  he  should  see  again  his  dear  parents,  after  so  long 
an  absence  ;  and  the  second,  when  he  should  be  weaned 
from  the  danger  of  temptation."  Mr.  Richmond  was  an- 
ticipating his  return  with  much  delight,  when  he  heard  the 
report  of  his  having  died  on  his  voyage  homewards.  Every 
inquiry  was  made,  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  this  rumour, 
and  the  father's  heart  was  again  filled  with  the  most  anxious 
disquietude. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Richmond  went  to  Bristol,  to  be 
present  at  the  anniversary  of  the  Auxiliary  Society  of  the 
Jewish  mission.  On  his  return  to  Turvey,  he  wrote  the 
ibllowing  letter  to  his  eldest  dautrhter,  in  Scotland, — a 
child  very  dear  to  his*  heart,  and  one  who  well  knew  how  to 
sympathise  with  his  sorrows,   and  ipt.share  them  with  him. 

**  My  dearest  Mary, 

"  I  have  lately  been  present  at  an  interesting  meeting 
of  the  Auxiliary  Society  for  Jewish  Missions,  at  Bristol. 
You  know  my  companions  in  this  journey  ;  I  feel  better 
for  it.  My  strength  and  spirits  have  been  greatly  affected 
for  a  long  time — indescribably  so  ;  for  it  often  does  not 


308  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

much  appear  to  others,  at  least  not  in  its  real  extent.  Not- 
withstanding my  supposed  readiness  of  speech,  and  the 
overflow  of  tender  feelings,  which  plead  for  utterance,  I  am 
often  thoughtful,  silent,  and  constrained,  when  it  might  be 
better  for  me  to  communicate  more  of  what  passes  within. 

"  Our  visit  to  Mrs.  Hannah  More  was  a  high  gratifica- 
tion. 

"  We  have  been  kept  in  long  suspense  about  poor  dear 
Nugent ;  he  was  dangerously  ill  when  I  last  heard  of  him. 
I  have  reason  to  expect  a  speedy  letter  now  arriving  in 
England.  I  have  received  rumours  of  his  having  died  in 
his  passage  home,  and  am  fully  prepared  for  the  worst ;  but 
do  not  notice  what  I  say  until  yon  hear  again,  as  it  distresses 
your  dear  mother  greatly.  I  thank  God,  I  have  had 
many  satisfactory  testimonies  of  his  state  of  mind,  and  feel 
much  comforted  on  that  head.  Henry  and  I  were  three 
weeks  under  the  roof  of  his  intimate  and  very  Christian 

friend,  Lieutenant  B — ,  R.    N.  from  Gibraltar,  now  at 

Cowes  ;  and  learned  much  about  him.  I  desire  to  bow  to 
the  will  of  God,  in  this  dispensation  of  his  providence.  I 
saw  one  of  his  most  intimate  friends  last  week,  who  had 
just  come  from  the  East,  and  had  heard  a  report  of  his  de- 
cease. I  mention  these  things  to  you,  that,  with  me,  you 
may  look  up  to  God  for  a  right  state  of  mind,  under  all  the 
designs  and  decrees  of  his  will. 

"  I  have  had  the  satisfaction  of  obtaining  likenesses, 
very  nicely  executed,  in  the  same  style  with  those  of  your 
father  and  mother  (in  the  drawing-room,)  of  Fanny,  Henry, 
Henrietta,  and  Legh  I  wish  for  yours  and  Mr.  Marshall's, 
by  the  same  hand.  My  feelings  are  strong  on  this  subject ; 
and  the  irrecoverable  lossof  my  dear  Wilberfbrce,  and  pro- 
bably of  Nugent,  render  them  stronger.  It  is,  I  had  almost 
said,  a  blessed  art,  which  can  perpetuate  to  the  eye,  what 
affectionate  memory  does  to  the  heart.  In  the  midst  of 
life  we  are  in  death,  and  who  can  tell  what  may  occur  !  I 
honour  the  art  of  painting  much,  for  the  sake  both  of  the 
dead  and  living,  I  often  look  around  my  study,  surrounded 
as  I  am  by  the  resemblances  of  many  loved  and  honoured 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  309 

ancestors  ;  and  their  forms  on  canvass  realize  not  a  few 
grateful  recollections  of  infancy,  childhood,  and  youth  I 
can  sigh  and  weep,  and  smile  too,  in  the  solitude  of  my 
chamber,  when  I  am  still,  and  communing  with  my  own 
heart. 

'*  Just  as  I  finish  my  letter,  I  cast  my  eye  on  Willy's 
walking-stick  Oh  !  how  these  relics  strike  to  my  soul's 
affections  !  With  our  two  sticks,  alas  !  he  and  I  wandered 
on  the  shores  of  Rothsay  and  the  adjoining  walks,  and  in 
many  another  spot ;  and  now  they  stand  side  by  side  in  the 
corner  of  my  study.  The  partnership  of  the  sticks  is  pre- 
served on  earth,  but  not  that  of  their  possessors  : — we  are 
separated.  Yet  oh !  that  we  may  be  reunited.  Medita- 
tions on  this  subject  often  agitate,  sometimes  console,  al- 
ways solemnize  my  mind. 

**  Farewell.     Love  to  your  fireside." 

Afler  the  lapse  of  a  few  weeks,  a  letter  arrived  from  tlic 
Rev.  Mr.  TbomaBon,  of  Calcutta,  dated  January  23d,  1825, 
stating  that  Nugent  had  left  that  place  in  July,  1824,  in  a 
vessel  bound  to  the  Mauritius  : — that  he  had  been  pre- 
viously seized  with  a  fever,  from  which  he  whs  not  perfect- 
ly recovered  at  the  time  of  settinfj  sail  : — that  afterward, 
being  exposed  to  very  severe  weather,  he  suffered  a  re- 
lapse— was  occasionally  delirious  ;  and  at  length,  to  the 
surprise  of  all  on  board,  was  found  dead  one  morning,  in 
his  cabin.  A  little  ivory  box  was  discovered,  containing  a 
few  jewels  and  gold  chains,  which  he  had  intended  as  pre- 
sents to  his  brothers  and  sisters  On  the  inside  of  the 
cover  of  this  box.  the  following  lines  were  written  in"  his 
own  hand,  in  pencil^  apparently  a  short  time  before  his 
death  : — 


♦*  Where  vice  has  held  its  empire  long;, 
Twill  not  endure  the  least  control  ; 
None  hula  power  divinely  i-trong 
Can  turn  the  current  of  the  soul. 


310  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

"  Great  God  !  I  own  thy  power  divine, 
That  works  lo  chano^e  this  heart  of  miae ! 
I  would  be  formed  anew,  and  bless 
The  wonders  of  renewing  grace." 

Such  is  the  eventful  history  of  Mr.  Richmond's  eldest 
son  ;  at  once  affording  a  salutary  warning  to  the  children 
of  religious  parents,  and  encouraging  such  parents  to  ex- 
ercise unlimited  confidence  m  the  promises  of  God.  Let 
those  who  trifle  with  their  opportunities,  and  refuse  to 
hearken  to  the  counsels  of  piety  and  aftection,  mark,  in  the 
blighted  prospects  and  repeated  trials  of  this  young  man,  an 
expression  of  the  Divine  displeasure.  For  though  in  the 
midst  of  wrath  God  remembers  mercy,  yet  in  his  inscru- 
tfible  wisdom,  he  often  makes  a  man  '  to  possess  the  ini- 
quities of  his  youth  ;"  and  in  his  sore  chastisement,  keeps 
alive  the  penitent  recollection  of  the  sins  which  he  has  long 
since  pardoned.  Let  pious  parents,  while  mourning  over 
the  wanderings  of  their  offspring,  never  cease  from  the 
holy  importunity  of  prayer,  that  God  would  meet  the  prodi- 
gal "  in  his  ways,"  and  turn  him  into  the  paths  of  righ- 
teousness and  truth  ;  that,  like  Mr.  Richmond,  they  who 
have  "  sowed  in  tears,  may  reap  in  joy." 

A  tablet  was  erected  by  his  father,  in  the  church  of  Tur- 
vey,  recording  the  manner  of  his  death  ;  and  having  in- 
scribed on  it  the  last  four  lines  of  the  above  verses,  with 
the  following  appropriate  passage  Irom  the  Psalms — "Thou 
shalt  show  us  wonderful  things  in  thy  righteousness,  O  God 
of  our  salvation  thou  art  the  hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  and  of  them  that  remain  in  the  broad  sea." — {Ps. 
Ixv.  5.) 

In  reference  to  the  death  of  his  son  Nugent,  he  wrote 
the  following  letters  : 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  311 

To  Lis  daughter,  Mrs.  Marshall,  Glasgow  : — 

"  My  ever  dear  Daughter, 

**  The  circumstances  attendant  upon  our  dear  Nugent's 
rnd,  are  few  and  simple.  You  are  aware  what  a  long  series 
of  favourable  accounts  of  his  general  behaviour  we  have 
had  from  a  variety  of  quarters.  You  should  know,  that 
from  at  least  five  religious  friends,  I  have  received  highly  sa- 
tisfactory testimonies  of  his  religious  feelmgs  and  princi- 
ples, although  he  was  modest  and  leserved  in  speaking  of 
himself.  I  had  much  information,  while  1  was  visiting  his 
most  intimate  friend,  Mr.  Bailey,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight  (late 
of  Gibraltar,)  whose  little  baby  was  christened  Mercy  Nu- 
gent Richmond.  The  time  of  his  shipwreck  seemed  to  be 
one  of  special  prayer  and  impression.  He  lost  his  all.  He 
however,  recruited  in  some  degree  ;  and  was  engaged  to  be 
married  to  an  amiable  and  pious  young  lady.  He  took  a 
short  voyage,  and  on  his  return,  tbund  that  she  had  died  of 
a  fever.  His  spirits  never  recovered  that  shock.  He  wag 
afterward  appointed  commander  of  a  vessel  to  England, 
The  day  before  she  sailed,  he  fell  out  of  a  gig,  was  confin- 
ed to  bed,  and  lost  the  opportunity.  Twice  afterward,  he 
was  similarly  disappointed.  At  length  he  sailed  in  a  ship 
bound  for  the  Mauritius,  from  whence  he  intended  to  havfc 
proceeded  to  England. 

Previous  to  this  last  voyage,  he  had  an  attack  of  fever, 
and  went  through  a  severe  course  of  medicine.  At  the 
beginning  of  the  voyage,  meeting  with  a  heavy  gale,  he  had 
much  laborious  service.  In  the  course  of  a  very  short 
time  he  became  ill,  was  not  unfrequently  delirious,  but  still 
did  not  excite  ideas  of  immediate  danger.  One  night,  ho 
went  to  bed  at  twelve  o'clock,  and  the  next  morning  at  six, 
to  the  grief  and  surprise  of  all  on  board,  was  found  dead  in 
his  cabin.  The  ship  proceeded  to  the  Mauritius ;  and  it 
was  not  until  her  return  to  Calcutta,  that  our  excellent  and 
kind  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomason  received  the  news, 
and  his  tilings,  papers,  &lc.     He  left,  out  of  the  scanty 


312  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

store  preserved  from  the  wreck  of  the  Oracabessa,  100  ru- 
pees to  general  charitable  purposes  ;  50  to  the  Bible  So- 
ciety ;  60  to  the  Church  Missionary  Society  ;  60  to  the 
Society  for  promoting  Christian  Knowledge  ;  and  50  to  the 
Religious  Tract  Society.  A  rupee  is  about  fifty-five  cents. 
His  aflTections  for  his  relatives  were  very  strong.  His 
principles  of  honourable  conduct,  integrity,  pecuniary  ac- 
curacy, oflBcial  diligence,  kmd  manners,  and  moral  deport- 
ment were  exemplary.  He  lived  in  much  esteem,  and  died 
much  beloved.  Dear  boy  !  He  was  snatched  from  our 
embraces  at  the  hour  of  his  returning  to  them.  He  is  bu- 
ried in  the  depths  of  the  ocean  But  the  sea  shall  give  up 
her  dead,  and  I  trust  he  will  then  appear  a  living  soul." 

To  his  friend,  the  Rev.  H.  I.  Maddock. 

"  My  beloved  Friend  and  esteemed  Brother, 

"  Such  you  shall  be  called,  for  such  you  are  and  long 
have  been  to  me.  I  am  told  how  ill  you  are,  and  that  you 
are,  as  it  were,  vibrating  between  two  worlds.  The  out- 
ward man  is  fast  decaying,  but  not  so  the  inner  man. 
Glory  to  God  alone  for  the  past,  present,  and  future.  You 
know  in  whom  you  have  trusted  He  cannot,  will  not  for- 
sake you.  My  heart  yearns  over  many  pleasant  recollec- 
tions concerning  you.  The  visions  of  the  past  revive.  O 
may  they  unite  with  those  beyond  the  grave,  and  may  so- 
vereign grace  sanctify  them  both  !  We  have  spent  many  a 
happy  hour  together,  cheerful  and  grave — we  have  labour- 
ed together  in  public  and  in  private.  We  have,  I  think, 
loved  each  other  as  brothers  ;  and  when  little,  perhaps,  was 
written  or  spoken,  we  have  had  mutual  thoughts  of  peace, 
and  regard  for  our  god-children,  our  wives,  and  our  little 
ones, 

"  I  had  pleased  myself  with  the  thought  of  visiting  you 
for  a  week,  at  Matlock,  next  month  ;  but  I  fear  we  may 
never  meet  again.  But  shall  we  not  meet  hereafter  ? 
Lord,  how  long ! 


REV.    LEGII    RICHMOND.  313 

••  When  I  last  parted  from  you,  I  had  a  dear  boy  with 
«ne — how  dear,  no  one  can  tell.  You  are  hastening  to  the 
mansions  where  he  dwells.  It  is  not  permitted  me  to  send 
u  message,  or  it  should  be  expressive  of  ten  thousand  emo- 
tions of  a  father's  heart.  But  Christ  is  all!  And  I  have 
lost  my  eldest  boy — my  sailor-boy  !  But  God  has  found 
Jiim,  and  all  is  well  there  also.  Forgive  my  ramblings. 
Give  me  a  book,  some  little  book — one  that  contains  your 
name,  written  in  it  with  your  own  hand.  It  shall  be  a 
cherished  memorial — pignus  amicitim  jucundissim<B* 

"  My  regard  for  you,  my  brother,  has  not  been  of  a  com- 
mon character.  I  "fear  you  are  not  strong  enough  to  give 
me  a  few  lines  ;  but  perhaps  your  venerable  and  respected 
Hither  will  do  so.  I  this  day  saw  your  very  dear  friend 
Mr.  Allen.  The  sight  of  him  did  me  good,  although  he 
told  me  how  ill  you  were,  beyond  what  I  was  aware  of. 

"  And  now,  my  beloved  friend,  I  commend  you  to  the 
triune  Jehovah — Father,  Son,  and  Spirit — to  united  power, 
wistlom,  and  love  ;  to  tbe  consolations  of  promise,  and  the 
consummations  of  Omnipotence.  Faithful  is  he  that  hatli 
promised  ;  and  he  will  perfect  the  thing  that  concerneth 
you.  What  a  strong- hold  is  this  !  While  you  can  and 
may,  cherish  a  tender  and  prayerful  feeling  for  your  friend. 
Fanny  shares  in  all  these  feehngs  ;  she  can  never  speak  of 
you  but  with  Christian  afTection. 

"  I  desire  to  be  most  kindly  remembered  to  all  that  be- 
longs to  you.  May  the  God  whose  consolations  are  neither 
few  nor  small,  overshadow  you  with  his  wing  !  <  He  is 
able,  he  is  willing,  doubt  no  more.'  Be  this  yours  and  my 
son 2 : 


*  I  the  chief  of  sinners  am, 
But  Jesus  died  for  met' 


L.  R. 


We  have  few  materials  of  public  interest  during  the  year 
I8.?f5.     Mr.  Richmond  declined  in  health,  and  was  indis- 

*  *1  pledge  of  most  endearing  friendship.    A.  E. 
23 


314  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

posed  for  exertion  beyond  the  confines  of  his  parish.  We 
may,  however,  fill  up  the  chasm  with  his  opinions  on  two 
subjects  of  no  small  importance  to  the  cause  of  true  reli- 
gion ;  but  which  we  could  not  notice  at  an  earlier  period 
without  interrupting  the  narrative,  and  departing  from  the 
order  we  had  prescribed  to  ourselves. 

We  advert  with  extreme  reluctance,  and  with  the  mOst 
painful  recollections,  to  the  apocryphal  question,  which  un- 
happily for  a  long  time  divided  and  distracted  the  Christian 
world.  Mr.  Richmond,  with  many  other  wise  and  excel- 
lent men,  at  first  approved  the  judgment  of  the  committee 
of  the  Bible  Society,  in  printing  from  4he  foreign  editions 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  considered  the  fundamental 
law  of  the  society,  «'  without  note  or  comment,"  to  include 
the  authorized  versions  of  the  Continent.  He  knew  that 
the  apocryphal  books,  though  attached  to  the  canonical 
Scriptures,  had  fallen  into  contempt  in  our  own  country  ; 
and  he  was  disposed  to  believe  that  increased  light  and  in- 
formation, by  the  circulation  of  the  word  of  God  in  any 
form,  would  eventually  illumine  the  darkness  of  men's 
minds,  and  enable  them,  to  distinguish  between  truth  and 
error. 

We  abstain  from  entering  on  any  unnecessary  discussion 
on  this  subject.  Persons  whom  we  highly  value,  of  long- 
tried  integrity  and  acknowledged  talents,  have  ranged 
themselves  on  either  side.  We  confine,  therefore,  our  re- 
marks, to  recording  the  ultimate  sentiments  of  the  subject 
of  this  Memoir 

In  the  progress  of  this  unhappy  dispute,  Pdr.  Richmond 
saw  reason  to  change  his  opinion  ;  and  though  the  meek- 
ness and  humility  of  his  spirit  would  not  allow  him  to  be- 
come a  violent  partisan,  he  joined  in  the  remonstrances 
which  were  made  to  the  parent  committee,  by  the  greater 
part  of  their  auxiliary  societies.  On  this  account,  he  has 
been  accused  of  vacillation  :  but  in  our  judgment,  the  man- 
liness which  avows  an  error,  is  much  more  commendable 
than  the  pertinacity  which  defends  and  persist?  in  it. 


REV.    LEGH    HICHMOND.  315 

The  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the  Jews 
furnishes  another  subject  for  remark.  A  discussion  had 
arisen  in  some  of  the  periodicals,  as  to  the  most  efficient 
mode  of  preaching  to  the  Jews  ;  whether  the  doctrine  of 
the  second  coming  of  Messiah  in  his  kingdom  and  glory, 
ought  not  to  constitute  the  most  prominent  feature  in  the 
diScoui-ses  addressed  to  that  people. 

In  conversing  with  Mr.  Richmond  on  this  topic,  the  wri- 
ter one  day  submitted  to  him  the  following  question  : — 

"  What  is  the  scriptural  and  right  way  to  preach  to  the 
Jew  ?" 

"  I  know  of  no  scriptural  way,"  he  replied,  "  of  preach- 
ing to  men,  otherwise  than  as  sinners ;  and  why  the  Jews, 
whose  sins  nre  of  so  aggravated  a  nature  should  be  dealt 
with  in  a  different  way,  I  do  not  see  I  would  address  the 
Jew  as  I  would  address  any  other  man  ; — that  is,  as  a  sin- 
ner ;  and  till  he  is  convinced  of  his  sin,  he  will  never  believe 
in  a  Saviour.  ♦  Christ  crucified,'  is  declared  to  be  <  to  the 
Greeks  foolishness,  ?ind  to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block  ; 
but  to  them  that  believe,  the  power  of  God  and  the  wisdom 
of  God.'  No  man  will  ever  feel  the  power  of  God,  whether 
he  be  Jew  or  Gentile,  till  he  learns  it  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross." 

When  speaking  of  the  strong  prejudices  that  existed 
among  many  in  our  own  church  against  several  of  the  pub- 
lic institutions,  as  contrasted  with  the  expression  of  popular 
feeling  in  their  support,  he  observed — *'  I  am  fully  con- 
vinced that  nothing  is  more  likely  to  weaken  the  attach- 
ment of  serious  and  reflecting  minds,  than  this  standing 
aloof  from  public  feelmg,  as  if  we  had  some  distinct  inte- 
rest of  our  own,  and  were  insulated  from  that  of  the  great 
mass  of  the  community."  He  added,  that,  '*  in  a  period 
peculiarly  marked  by  enlarged  ideas,  and  extended  efforts 
for  the  cause  of  God,  not  to  participate  in  these  views,  nor 
to  grow  with  the  growth  of  the  times  in  which  we  live, 
would  render  us  liable  to  the  charge  of  being  unfit  for  the 
age  in  which  we  are  placed,  as  if  we  were  men  *  born  out 
of  due  time.'     Some  porsons/'  he  said,  "  think  they  are 


316  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

])uilcling  up  the  church  by  encouraging  a  .spirit  of  hostility  : 
my  own  opinion  is,  that  they  are  overturning  it ;  and  that 
no  position  can  be  more  dangerous  to  a  church,  than  that 
which  exhibits  it  in  avowed  opposition  to  the  prevaihng 
character  and  sentiments  of  the  community  in  which  it  is 
placed." 

Alluding  to  some  modern  religious  controversies,  I  asked, 
"  if  he  did  not  thmk  that  many  became  thereby  more  con- 
firmed in  their  prejudices  ?" 

"  All  are  so,"  he  replied,  "  wlio  read  only  one  side  of  the 
question,  which  is  generally  the  case  v*  ith  the  majority  of 
readers,  and  especially  of  prejudiced  readers.     They  then 

say  to  each  other,  'have  you  read  the  book  of ? 

It  is  a  most  able  and  trmmphant  work.'  In  the  meantime, 
they  never  read  what  is  said  in  reply  to  it  ;  they  conse- 
quently view  the  subject  through  a  partial  and  distorted 
medium.  But  what  should  we  say  of  a  judge  who  examined 
no  witnesses  except  those  who  were  on  the  same  side  ? 
We  should  have  no  hesitation  in  declaring  that  he  perverted 
the  administration  of  justice,  and  was  unfit  for  his  office  ; 
and  yet  precisely  the  same  thing  is  practised  every  day  in 
theological  controversies.  The  great  bane  of  pur  church," 
he  observed,  "  is  prejudice  :  many  believe  without  evidence, 
and  decide  without  inquiry.  Still,  the  spirit  of  improve- 
ment is  perceptible,  and  religion  considerably  on  the  in- 
crease." 

I  asked  him,  "  how  we  were  to  reconcile  the  increase  of 
religion  with  the  acknowledged  growth  of  crime,  as  evinced 
in  our  courts  of  justice  ?"  He  answered — "  Both  are  true. 
Bad  men  are  becoming  worse,  and  good  men  better.  'J'he 
first  are  ripening  for  judgment,  the  latter  for  glory.  The 
increase  of  wickedness  is,  in  this  respect,  a  proof  of  the 
increase  of  religion.  '  The  devil  is  wroth,  knowing  that 
his  time  is  short.'  "  . 

The  reader  will  here  probably  wish  to  know  what  were 
his  views  of  the  Millennium  ;  and  how  far  he  concurred  in 
some  modern  interpretations  of  prophecy.  On  this  subject 
he  had  not  come   to   any  decided   conclusion  :  he  was 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  317 

merely  accustomed  to  observe,  that  in  the  first  four  centu- 
ries, such  a  belief  was  known  to  have  prevailed.  He  was 
generally  of  opinion,  that  the  time  of  great  judgments  was 
at  hand  ;  and  that  all  human  institutions,  both  governments 
and  churches,  would  have  to  undergo  some  great  purifying 
process ; — that  what  was  wrong  in  either  must  be  rectified  ; 
that  much,  probably,  would  be  accomplished  in  the  way  of 
improvement,  by  the  advancing  spirit  of  the  age  ;  and  that 
when  this  spirit  was  resisted,  a  series  of  divine  judgments 
(or  God's  controversy  with  the  nations,)  would  level  all 
abuses  in  the  dust ;  when  a  new  and  better  order  of  things 
would  arise,  and  Christianity  become  a  dispensation  of 
universal  holiness  and  peace. 

Another  remark  deserves  to  be  recorded. 
"  What   is  the   mode   of  proceeding,"  I   said  to  him, 
•*  which  is  most  likely  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  our 
own  church  ?'* 

"  That,"  he  replied,  "  which  is  least  calculated  to  make 
Dissenters." 

"  And  what  will  best  answer  that  description  ?" 
**  Preaching  the  Gospel." 

In  the  summer  of  1826,  Mr.  Richmond  attended  the 
Norwich  anniversaries  ;  which  were  the  last  of  his  public 
labours.  lie  afterward  proceeded  to  Cromer,  a  bathing 
place  in  Norfolk,  for  the  benefit  of  his  health.  He  had  for 
some  time  laboured  under  an  affection  of  the  lungs,  which 
no  change  of  air  or  power  of  medicine  had  hitherto  suc- 
ceeded in  removing  ;  though  he  experienced  a  temporary 
revival  of  strength  and  spirits  by  his  excursion,  and  return- 
ed home  with  improved  health. 

But  the  scenes  of  his  former  afllictions  renewed  the  de- 
pression of  his  spirits.  Amidst  the  affectionate  welcomes 
of  hia  family,  he  seemed  to  feel  yet  more  keenly  the  ab- 
sence of  his  departed  son.  He  would  say,  *'  No  time  nor 
.succession  of  events,  can  wean  my  affections  from  the  chan* 
eel  vault."  Though  increased  tenderness  marked  his  in- 
tercourse  with  his  remaining  children,  his  heart  still  wept 
•ver  bis  beloved  Wilberforce  There  was  a  visible  chaitwo 
25* 


318  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

ill  his  appearance,  and  liis  family  felt  cause  for  alarm.  lie 
said  little,  but  his  mind  seemed  to  be  greatly  exercised. 
He  sometimes  repaired  to  the  grave  of  his  son  ;  remaining 
long,  absorbed  in  his  own  reflections.  The  silence  and 
solitude  of  this  hallowed  spot,  soothed  and  comforted  his 
mind  ;  "  the  waters  of  healing  issued  from  the  sanctuary." 
and  he  probably  dehghted  to  contemplate  the  blessedness 
of  the  eternal  world,  in  such  immediate  connexion  with  his 
own  dear  child.  On  one  occasion,  accompanied  by  is 
daughter,  he  sat  nearly  an  hour  in  dee.p  musing,  without 
lifting  bis  eyes  from  the  stone  that  covered  the  beloved  re- 
mains. At  length  rising,  he  exclaimed — '  Thanks  be  to 
God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Chi-ist!'' 

The  writer  of  this  Memoir  was  requested  by  his  family 
to  converse  with  him  on  the  subject  of  his  sorrows.  After 
a  few  expressions  of  cordial  sympathy,  "  My  dear  friend,'' 
I  said,  "  you  are  indulging  a  grief  beyond  its  proper  bounds, 
and  consuming  all  your  strength  :  you  will  unfit  yourself 
both  for  present  and  future  usefulness.  You  are  in  danger 
of  forgetting  the  living,  by  a  mournful  recollection  of  the 
dead.  God  acts  as  a  sovereign,  he  claims  nothing  but 
what  is  his  own.  You  are  still  surrounded  by  many  mer-' 
cies.  The  past  dispensation  has  been  peculiarly  blest  to 
your  own  family.  You  have  another  son,  who  will  occupy, 
both  in  your  heart  and  in  the  church  of  God,  the  place  that 
is  now  made  void.  Your  parish  loves  you  ;  the  cause  of 
God  prospers  beyond  former  precedent  ;  you  have  gained 
more  than  you  have  lost  and  your  child  is  in  glory,7- would 
you  wish  to  call  him  back  again  ?" 

"  All  is  well,"  he  replied,  •'  as  it  relates  to  these  things  ; 
but  there  are  times  when  we  are  led  deeply  to  consider, 
not  merely  the  trial  itself  under  which  we  labour,  but  how 
far  it  has  answered  its  appointed  end.  Whether  it  is  sanc- 
tified to  our  own  souls  ; — what  is  the  reality  of  our  own 
j^ope  ; — the  foundation  on  which  we  ourselves  stand  ; — the 
evidences   of  a   renewed   mind  ; — and  whether   we   can 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  319 

appeal  to  the  great  Searcher  of  hearts,  that  all  is  right 
within." 

"  But  you  have  this  hope,"  I  said  ;  "  why  then  does  it 
not  support  you  with  its  consolations  ?" 

»*  God,"  he  answered,  "  is  sifting  me  ;  he  is  weighing 
me  in  the  balance  of  the  sanctuary.  I  have  been  preach- 
ing all  my  life  to  others — how  far  am  I  myself  interested  in 
these  great  truths  ?  Yes,  God  is  searching  me,  and  proving 
me,  and  seeing  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me." 

"  He  will  do  more,"  I  said,  "  than  this, — he  will  lead 
you  in  the  way  everlasting." 

"  God  grant  it,"  he  replied  ;  "  God  grant  I  may  have  as 
assured  a  hope  for  myself,  as  I  have  for  my  beloved  child." 

We  conclude  this  chapter  with  the  following  interesting 
meditation,  which  was  written  in  the  privacy  of  his  study, 
to  which  he  was  confined  by  indisposition. 

"  I  am  this  day  staying  at  home,  during  divine  service  in 
the  afternoon,  owing  to  a  cold, — Mr.  Ayre  being  here  to 
assi.st  me.  The  last  Sunday  afternoon  on  which  I  was  si- 
milarly detained,  was  in  December  1824,  with  my  dear 
Wilberforce  ;  he  was  then  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  de- 
cease. This  day  twelvemonth  was  the  day  preceding  his 
death. 

"  Dear,  blessed  boy !  in  the  midst  of  our  daily  domestic 
cheerfulness  of  spirits,  how  my  heart  moans  and  mourns  in 
tcnderest  recollections !  I  see  the  dear  child  in  all  his  de- 
bilities of  body  ;  I  hear  him  speak, — I  retrace  the  look  of 
his  eye,  I  hang  upon  his  spiritual  language, — his  affection- 
ate expressions, — his  devotedness  to  God, — his  faithful  ad- 
monitions,— his  languid  frame, — his  sweet  countenance, — 
his  willingness  to  die. 

"  I  lament  my  own  want  of  more  feeling  :  and  yet  I  feel 
much.  O  blessed  God  !  help  me  ; — strengthen  mc  ; — save 
im !  Make  his  death  to  be  a  source  of  life  to  me,  through 
the  death  of  Christ, — sanctifying  his  memory  to  my  soul ! 
I  want  to  see  more  deep  and  solemn  seriousness  among  my 
children  at  this  time  ;  and  yet  I  know  they  are  not  deficient 


320  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

in  much  good  feeling  on  this  subject.     Lord,  help,  bless, 
and  save  them  also  ! 

"  My  Nugent,  too,  is  since  gone — or  rather,  I  have  since 
heard  it ;  for  he  died  some  months  before  his  brother,  little 
as  we  apprehended  it,  when  Wilberforce  was  so  beautifully 
speaking  about  him,  a  few  days  previous  to  his  own  death. 

"  Oh,  my  dear  boys  !  your  memorials  are  inost  dear  to 
my  soul ! 

"  I  tremble,  when  I  think  how  poorly  I  have  profited  by 
these  parental  warnings  ;  yet  I  take  some  encouragement 
from  the  feelings  which  I  am  conscious  I  retain.  Lord, 
increase  their  influence  !  In  the  midst  of  life  I  am  in  death. 
Who  may  be  taken  away  next  ?  I  sometimes  have  fearful 
forebodings — I  look  around  my  beloved  little  circle,  and 
sigh.  I  check  these  feelings  again,  and  am  ashamed  of  my 
weakness.  Lord  !  make  Christ  to  be  every  thing  to  me — 
and  then  all  will,  all  must  be  well.  Oh  !  keep  my  Fanny 
in  a  serious  frame.  Let  her  not  forget  her  past  impres- 
sions !  Bless  my  Henry,  and  preserve  him  in  a  steady 
mind,  untainted  by  levities  !  Cherish  my  poor  Legh,  and 
let  not  my  good  hopes. concerning  him  be  blighted  !  Bless 
the  little  ones,  and  make  them  thine  own  for  ever  ! 

"  Pardon  my  weakness,  O  God  !  and  bless  this  whole 
meditation  to  my  own  soul ! 

L.  R." 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  321 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Closing  Scene — Funeral — Remarks  on  his  character^  ^x. 

We  are  now  drawing  to  the  close  of  the  Hfe  and  ministry 
of  this  excellent  man,  whose  labours  were  singularly  at- 
tended with  the  blessing  of  God  to  the  end.  I  he  last  two 
Sundays  on  which  he  preached,  were  in  I  he  beginnmg  of 
March,  1827.  On  the  former  of  these  occasions,  a  person 
attended  the  church,  who,  having  taken  some  offence,  had 
secretly  made  a  rash  resolve  never  more  to  enter  it.  He 
was  both  thoughtless  and  dissolute,  and  a  bitter  persecutor 
of  religion  in  those  who  professed  it  ;  but  on  this  day  was 
constrained,  by  circumstances  that  need  not  be  mentioned, 
to  alter  his  determination  The  text  of  the  sermon  was 
taken  from  Ps.  li.  10,  "  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God, 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me."  Sharper  than  a  two- 
edged  sword  is  ihc  word  of  God  ;  and  in  its  application  by 
the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  this  poor  man,  it  proved  "  to  be 
the  hammer  that  breaketh  the  rock  in  pieces  "  He  con- 
fessed, that  immediately  on  his  return  home,  he,  for  the  first 
time,  fell  on  his  knees,  and  with  crying  and  tears,  poured 
forth  the  strong  emotion  of  his  heart  in  the  language  of  the 
publican,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

Should  this  record  meet  the  eye  or  the  ear  of  the  indi- 
vidual so  deeply  interested  in  it,  we  would  remind  him  of  that 
hour  of  divine  mercy,  and  of  the  day  when  he  bore  to  the 
grave  the  body  of  him  whose  dying  lips  had  conveyed  the 
message  of  life  to  his  soul.  We  would  remind  him  of  his 
bitter  anguish,  when  he  descended  the  vault,  and  knelt, 
weeping,  beside  the  coffin  We  would  exhort  him  to  cleave 
with  full  purpose  of  heart  to  the  Lord,  and  to  continue 
faithful  unto  death,  thatia  the  day  of  Christ's  appearing,  ho 


3'22  MEMOIRS  or  the 

may  be  found  among  those  who  will  be  the  crown  and  joy 
of  him  whose  loss  he  now  laments. 

The  next  Sunday  Mr  Richmond's  sermons  were  parti- 
cularly solemn.  In  the  morning  he  preached  from  Col.  in. 
2  ;  "  Set  your  affections  on  things  above."  And  this  ad- 
dress was  directed  to  the  true  disciple  for  his  comfort  and 
confirmation.  In  the  afternoon  he  preached  from  Ps.  cxix. 
52,  53.  "  I  remembered  thy  judgments  of  old,  O  Lord, 
and  have  comforted  myself  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon 
me.  because  of  the  wicked  that  forsake  thy  law  "  This 
sermon  was  an  awful  and  solenm  appeal  to  the  consciences 
of  unawakened  sinners.  It  was  remarked  by  a  person 
going  out  of  church  ;  «  this  sounds  as  if  it  came  from  the 
lips  of  a  dying  man." 

From  this  time  the  disorder  visibly  increased  :  Mr. 
Richmond  caught  a  fresh  cold,  and  could  only  speak  in  a 
whisper.  It  was,  nevertheless,  with  some  difficulty  that  he 
was  restrained  from  being  carried  to  the  church  ;  but  he 
never  more  left  his  house,  and  soon  became  sensible  that 
his  beloved  flock  would  "  see  his  face  no  more."  A  gloom 
of  sorrow  overspread  the  parish,  and  "  prayer  was  made 
without  ceasing  of  the  church  unto  God,"  for  his  recovery. 
But  the  time  was  come  when  he  was  to  enter  into  his  rest. 
Few  of  his  brethren  had  the  privilege  of  conversing  with 
him  at  this  time,  and  the  editor  being  abroad,  had  no  op- 
portunity of  any  personal  interview  with  his  friend  during 
the  season  of  his  last  illness.  •  He  has,  however,  been  sup- 
])lied  with  abundant  and  most  interesting  details,  in  the  fol- 
lowing letters. 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  I  unite  with  you  and  the  neighbourhood,  in  deeply 
lamenting  the  decease  of  our  much  valued  friend  the  late 
Mr.  Richmond.  Every  day  and  occasion  will  remind  us 
of  our  loss.  He  was  indeed  a  bond  of  union  in  all  our 
meetings,  both  public  and  private  ;  we  bowed  to  his  au- 
thority, for  he  had  an  excellent  judgment,  and  his  fine  tem- 
per never  failed  to  diffuse  a  kind  and  brotherly  feeling  among 


I 


REY.  LEGH   RICHMOND.  3:23 

US.  It  was  the  spontaneous  remark  of  every  one  who  had 
any  acquaintance  with  him,  »  You  have  only  to  know  Legh 
Richmond  to  love  him. 

"  My  interview  with  him,  a  kw  days  before  his  death, 
concerning  which  you  desire  to  be  informed,  was  highly  in- 
teresting, though  i  have  but  few  particulars  to  communi- 
cate. 

Mr.  Richmond  had  been  declining  in  health  for  the  last 
two  years.  A  visible  alteration  took  place  in  him,  after 
the  death  of  his  son  Wilberforce.  The  intensity  of  h\fi 
feeling?  was  at  all  times  disproportionate  to  his  strength  : 
and  some  things,  especially  his  dear  boy's  removal,  seemed 
to  lay  hold  of  him  with  a  degree  of  poignancy  which  he 
him.self,  in  common  with  his  frie.ids,  greatly  regretted.  He 
felt,  and  expressed,  resignation  and  thankfulness  in  the 
event ;  yet  it  was  evident  to  us  all  that  his  frame  had  recei- 
ved an  irreparable  injury 

"  His  brethren  saw  little  of  him  during  the  last  few 
months  of  his  life  He  continued  the  regular  performance 
of  the  duties  of  his  parish  till  within  a  few  weeks  of  his 
death,  and  we  did  not  apprehend  that  he  was  so  soon  to  be 
taken  from  us. 

"  In  his  confinement,  he  shrunk  from  all  intercourse  be- 
yond the  circle  of  his  own  family. 

♦*  After  making  repeated  inquiries  about  his  state  of 
health,  and  receiving  very  unsatisfactory  answers,  I  con- 
sulted his  medical  attendant,  whose  report  determined  me 
to  lo?e  no  tune  in  seeking  an  interview.  Of  his  spiritual 
state,  there  could  be  no  doubt :  iiui  I  thought  if,  like  his 
family,  he  felt  persuaded  of  his  recovery,  it  might  be  impor- 
tant on  many  accounts  that  he  should  be  apprized  of  his 
approaching  end. 

"  I  wished,  among  other  things,  to  induce  him  to  use  his 
influence  with  the  patron  of  the  living  in  the  appointment 
of  a  suitable  successor.  We  had  a  conversation  of  some 
length  on  this  subject,  and  which  I  regretted  when  I  per- 
ceived how  greatly  it  exhausted  his  weak  and  shattered 
frame,  and  disabled  him  from  entering  on  maltcra  of  still 


324  MEMOIRS  or  THE 

deeper  interest.  I  was  anxious  to  hear  his  dying  testimony 
to  the  great  truths  he  had  so  long  taught,  and  so  strikingly 
exemplified  by  a  consistent  and  holy  conduct.  The  idea 
too,  that  a  friendship  which  had  suffered  no  interruption  for 
more  than  twenty  years,  endeared  by  the  remembrance  of 
his  judicious  advice  and  affectionate  sympathy  in  my  hours 
of  trial  and  affliction,  was  soon  to  be  dissolved,  gave  a  so- 
lemn and  affecting  interest  to  this  interview,  and  1  longed 
to  express  my  gratitude,  as  vtell  as  to  be  quickened  and 
confirmed  by  his  dying  counsels. 

<'  An  opportunity  offered,  and  I  said,  *  Dear  brother,  I 
owe  you  much  love,  and  am  pained  to  be  the  messenger  of 
evil  tidings.  Still  I  cannot  think  it  right  to  withhold  from 
you  my  apprehension  of  the  dangerous  nature  of  your  dis- 
ease.' '  I  know  it,  brother,'  he  rephed  :  -  seven  months 
ago  I  was  well  satisfied  from  whence  this  cough  came  ; 
that  it  was  a  messenger  from  above.  I  knew  what  it  meant 
— but  I  cannot  talk  :   F — ■   do  you  talk.' 

"  I  had  scarcely  resumed  the  conversation,  with  a  re- 
mark on  the  immense  value  and  importance  of  our  princi- 
ples, when  he  raised  himself  upright  in  his  chair,  and  with 
great  solemnity  of  manner,  said,  '  Brother,  we  are  only  half 
awake — we  are  none  of  us  more  than  half  awake.'  He 
seemed  unable  to  proceed,  for  his  feebleness  was  extreme, 
and  to  relieve  him,  I  began  again  ;  but  he  made  another 
effort.  The  enemy,  as  our  poor  people  would  say,  has  been 
very  busy  with  me.  I  have  been  in  great  darkness — a 
strange  thought  has  passed  through  my  mind — it  is  all  delu- 
sion. Brother,  brother,  strong  evidences,  nothing  but 
strong  evidences,  will  do  at  such  an  hour  as  this.  I  have 
looked  here  and  looked  there  for  them — all  have  failed  me 
— and  so  I  cast  myself  on  the  sovereign,  free,  and  full 
grace  of  God  in  the  covenant  by  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  there, 
brother  (looking  at  me  witii  a  smile  of  tranquillity  quite 
indescribable,  and  which  I  shall  never  forget,)  there  I  have 
found  peace.' 

"  I  could  utter  nothing  in  reply.  My  heart  was  quite 
full.     I  grasped  his  hand  and  left  liim,  with  a  promise  of  a 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  326 

Speedy  return,  musing  on  the  similarity  of  his  experience 
with  that  expressed  by  Hooker,  a  favourite  with  us  both, 
*  To  name  merits,  then,  is  to  lay  their  souls  upon  the  rack, 
the  memory  cf  their  own  deeds  is  loathsome  to  them,  they 
forsake  all  things  ichercin  they  have  put  any  trust  or  confi- 
dence— no  staff  to  lean  upon,  no  ease,  no  rest,  no  comfort 
then,  but  only  in  Jesus  Christ.^ 

**  There  are,  doubtless,  many  persons  who  would  feel  sur- 
prise at  the  particulars  which  I  have  related,  and  might  even 
be  disposed  to  ascribe  our  dear  friend's  distress  of  mind  to 
a  cause  very  remote  from  the  truth.  Those  wiio  know  no- 
thing of  indwelling  sin,  whose  standard  js  low,  and  whose 
apprehension  of  the  law  of  God  is  far  from  spiritual,  can- 
not possibly  enter  into  the  feelings  of  a  man, 

*  who  evil  felt  within, 
And  wbea  he  felt  it,  heaved  a  sigh, 
And  loathed  the  thought  of  sinJ' 

••  To  me  it  appeal's  that  our  friend's  dispensation  was  pe- 
culiarly fitted  to  preserve  him  from  those  feelings  of  self- 
complacency  to  which  his  extensive  usefulness,  and  the 
singular  honour  which  God  had  put  on  his  ministry,  would 
not  fail  to  expose  him.  <  I  never  knew,'  gaid  the  late  Mr. 
n.  of  York,  '  more  than  one  person  who  was  not  injured 
by  success.'  Therefore,  we  may  esteem  every  dispensa- 
tion merciful,  however  painful,  which  teaches  the  salutary 
lesson,  '  Let  no  man  glory  in  men,  but  he  that  glorieth,  let 
him  glory  in  the  Lord  ' 

"  A  conver8atir)n  I  had  with  Mrs.  Richmond,  after  her 
husband's  decease,  confirmed  my  views  on  this  subject. 
When  I  told  her  what  had  passed  between  us,  she  said,  *  i 
can  explain  the  meaning  of  these  conflicts.  I  had  latterly 
often  observed  my  beloved  husband  in  deep  thought.  He 
seemed  to  be  very  low  and  cheerless.  I  pressed  him  to 
unbosom  his  feelings,  that  I  might  share  his  sorrows  and 
svmpathisc  with  him.  For  a  long  time  \\v  was  unwiUin^r 
29 


326  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

to  enter  on  the  subject,  and  usually  replied,  *  nothing,  love, 
nothing.'  But  at  last  he  told  me  that  strange  thoughts  had 
been  suggested  to  his  mind,  such  as  had  never  entered  it  in 
his  hours  of  health — thoughts  of  his  extensive  usefulness  in 
the  church  of  God.  He  said  he  knew  them  to  be  sugges- 
tions of  Satan,  but  that  they  overwhelmed  him  with  deep 
and  bitter  anguish.      Pride,  pride,  hateful  thing!' 

"  Another  idea  has  occurred  to  me  with  respect  to  this 
trial  of  our  dear  friend.  He  had  insisted  much  upon  the 
free  and  full  sufficiency  of  the  dispensation  ot  grace  to 
meet  man's  extremity.  His  darkness  and  distress  of  mind, 
as  well  as  the  support  he  found  in  his  own  principles, 
seemed  to  me  a  practical  illustration  of  the  grand  doctrine 
of  the  cross.  It  was  for  him  to  prove  the  reality  of  what 
he  taught.  In  Christ  every  thing, — out  of  him  nothing. 
He  became  an  example,  as  he  had  been  a  preacher,  of  the 
righteousness  of  faith.  God  humbled  his  servant,  magnifi- 
ed the  riches  of  his  own  grace,  and  made  him  a  pattern  to 
us  all,  of  the  necessity  and  sufficiency  of  trust  in  Christ 
alone. 

'<  But  after  all,  there  is  much  truth  in  John  Newton's  re- 
mark ;  '  tell  me  not  how  a  man  died,  but  how  he  lived.' 
The  weakness  of  a  dying  hour,  and  the  ravages  of  disease, 
may  cloud  the  mind,  depress  the  spirits,  and  disturb  the 
sober  exercises  of  the  judgment.  One  thing,  however,  my 
dear  friend,  is  evident  ;  it  becomes  us  *  to  set  our  house  in 
order,'  before  the  approach  of  this  trying  hour.  At  that 
time  we  should  have  nothing  to  settle  with  God.  It  is  not 
a  season  to  begin  to  turn  to  Christ,  when  we  cannot  turn  in 
our  bed.  May  the  thought  be  ever  present  to  our  recol- 
lection, '  we  are  only  half  awake.'  The  removal  of  our 
dear  brother  is  a  loud  call  to  us  to  trim  our  lamps  and 
*  wait  for  our  Lord,'  that  when  he  cometh  and  knocketh., 
we  may  open  to  him  immediately. 

<'  Believe  me,  my  dear  friend,  I  am  yours,  very  faithfully, 
though  most  imworthilv, 

T.  F." 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  S27 

Letter  to  Mrs.  F — ,  after  Mr.  Richmond's  decease. 

"  My  dear  Mrs.  F — , 

•*  You  wish  me  to  give  you  an  account  of  the  closing 
scene  of  niy  beloved  parent's  life  This  will  be  attended 
with  some  difficulty  ;  for  though  I  was  his  friend  as  well  as 
his  child,  and  the  endeared  companion  of  his  retired  hours, 
and  though  many  events  and  conversations,  full  of  deep 
and  affecting  interest,  are  mdelibly  engraved  on  my  me- 
mory, yet  as  I  did  not  anticipate  the  mournful  bereavement, 
and  omitted  to  make  merooranda  at  the  time,  I  find  now 
that  much  of  the  detail  is  irrevocably  lost,  and  I  should  be 
afraid  to  write  any  thing  which  was  not  strictly  and  literally 
true. 

"  Yet  the  recollection  of  hours  spent  in  my  beloved  fa- 
ther's study,  whicli  was  indeed  a  hallowed  sanctuary  of  de- 
votion, keeps  ahve  m  my  minri  an  abidmg  conviction  of 
the  reahty  and  happines.^  of  experimental  chjset  religion. 
When  I  feel  worldly  influence  stealing  on  me,  and  conse- 
quently, religious  duties  losing  their  gh)w  of  interest,  I  have 
but  to  think  of  my  departed  parent  and  of  |)ast  times,  and 
my  heart  is  again  warmed,  a  new  energy  in  the  spiritual  life 
seems  imparted,  and  thus  my  soul  does  indeed  realise  that 
*  the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed  ' 

*'  I  cannot  express  the  veneration  and  love  with  which 
he  was  regarded  by  every  one  of  his  children.  With  an 
understanding  of  the  very  first  «.rder,  a  mind  elegantly  re- 
fined and  polishetl,  and  feelings  of  the  most  delicate  sus- 
ceptibility, he  had  a  heart  overflowing  with  intense  affec- 
tion towards  each  of  them,  which  w.is  shown  by  daily  and 
hourly  attentions  of  the  most  winning  nature,  and  they 
found  in  him  not  only  a  counsellor  and  instiuctor,  but  a 
companion  and  bosom  friend.  They  ^'lung  to  him,  indeed, 
with  an  almost  idol  itrous  loudness.  Esich  of  my  brothers 
and  sisters  will  agree  with  me  in  the  sentiment  of  dear  Wil- 
berforce  (it  was  one  of  my  brot^ier's  refnark«  a  little  before 
he  closed  his  eyes  U}K)n  his  weeping  parent,)  *  when  my 
heart  feels  too  cold  to  thank  God  for  any  thing  else,  it  can 
thank  bim  for  giving  me  such  a  father.'     lie  was  the  spiri- 


O^  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

tual  as  well  as  the  natural  father  of  that  dear  boy,  and  I 
trust  others  of  his  children  are  thus  bound  to  him  by  a  tie 
strong  and  lasting  as  eternity  itself.  Surely  the  world  does 
not  contain  a  spot  of  more  sweet  and  uninterrupted  domes- 
tic happiness  than  Turvey  rectory  presented,  before  death 
entered  that  peaceful  dwelling.  It  was  ever  the  first  wish 
of  my  beloved  father  that  our  home  should  be  happy  ;  and 
he  was  never  so  pleased  as  when  we  were  all  sitting  around 
him.  Both  in  our  childhood  and  youth,  every  innocent 
pleasure  was  resorted  to,  and  all  his  varied  attainments 
brought  into  exercise  to  instruct  and  amuse  us.  He  was 
the  sun  of  our  little  system,  and  from  him  seemed  to  be  de- 
rived the  light  and  glow  of  domestic  happiness.  Like  the 
disciple,  whose  loving  spirit  I  have  often  thought  my  dear 
father's  resembled,  his  motto  was,  '  little  children,  love  one 
another  ;'  and  he  taught  this  more  effectually  by  sympathy 
than  even  by  precept.  Religion  was  unfolded  to  us  in  its 
most  attractive  form.  We  saw  that  it  was  a  happy  thing 
to  be  a  Christian.  He  was  exempt  from  gloom  and  me- 
lancholy, and  entered  with  hfe  and  cheerfulness  into  all  our 
sports. 

»*  But  we  should  not  have  been  thus  happy  in  domestic 
affection,  had  not  our  beloved  father  so  carefully  trained  u? 
in  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ.  This  was  his  chief  con- 
cern, his  hourly  endeavour.  He  did  not  talk  much  with  us 
about  religion  ;  but  the  books,  studies,  and  even  amuse- 
ments to  which  he  directed  us^  showed  that  God  was  in  all 
his  thoughts,  and  that  his  great  aim  was  to  prepare  his 
children  for  heaven.  Religion  was  practically  taught  in 
all  he  said  and  did,  and  recommended  to  us,  in  his  lovely 
domestic  character,  more  powerfully  than  in  any  other  way. 
He  had  a  thousand  winning  ways  to  lead  our  infant  minds 
to  God,  and  explain  to  u  the  love  of  the  Saviour  to  little 
children.  It  was  then  our  first  impressions  were  received  ; 
and  though  for  a  time  they  were  obscured  by  youthful 
vanities,  they  were  never  totally  erased  ;  he  lived  to  see 
them,  in  some  instances,  ripened  into  true  conversion.  It 
was  his  custom,  when  we  were  very  young,  to  pray  with  us 


REV.  LEGH  KICHJTOXD.  3ii9 

iribne :  he  used  to  take  us  by  turns  into  his  study  -^  and 
memory  still  recalls  the  simple  language  and  affecting  ear- 
nestness with  which  he  pleaded  tor  the  conversion  of  his 
child.  I  used  to  weep  because  he  wept,  though  I  under- 
stood and  felt  little  of  his  meaning  ;  but  I  saw  it  was  all 
love,  and  thus  my  earliest  impression  was  associated  with 
the  idea  that  it  was  religion  which  made  hitn  love  us  so  ten- 
derly, and  that  prayer  was  an  expression  of  that  love.  I 
was  led  in  this  way  to  pray  for  those  who  were  kind  to  me, 
as  dear  papa  did. 

"  In  conversation  he  did  not  often  urge  the  subject  of 
religion  directly  on  our  attention,  or  question  us  much  as 
to  our  personal  experience  of  it.  lie  has  sometimes  re- 
gretted this,  and  called  it  iiis  infirmity  ;  but  I  think  he 
adopted  a  more  successful  plan.  He  used  to  watch  over 
us  most  cautiously,  and  express  his  opinion  in  writing  :  we 
constantly  found  letters  left  in  our  rooms,  with  directions 
to  think  and  pray  over  them  Reproot  was  always  con- 
veyed in  this  way  ;  and  he  also  took  the  same  method  of 
questioning  us  on  experimental  religion,  and  of  beseeching 
us  to  become  more  decided  for  God.  Sometimes  he  re- 
quired an  answer  ;  but  generally  his  only  request  was,  that 
we  would  *  spread  his  letter  before  the  Lord^  and  think 
over  it.' 

"  His  reproofs  were  inexpressibly  tender.  lie  was  never 
angry  with  us  ;  but  when  we  displeased  him,  he  showed  it 
by  such  a  sad  and  mournful  countenance,  that  it  touched 
us  to  the  very  heart,  and  produced  more  effect  than  any 
punishment  could  have  done,  for  we  saw  that  it  was  om* 
dear  father  who  suffered  the  most.  In  this  way  he  gained 
such  an  ascendancy  over  our  affections,  that  none  of  his 
children  could  feel  happy  if  his  smile  was  withdrawn,  and 
all  regarded  that  smile  as  a  rich  reward. 

"  The  anniversaries  gf  our  birth-days  were  always  sea- 
sons of  festivity  among  us.  We  were  generally  awakened 
with  his  congratulations  and  blessmg.  '  lie  rose  up  early 
in  the  morniog,  and  offered  sacrifice,  according  to  the 
miraber  of  tlicm  all :  thus  did  he  continually. '     I  love  ^c 

29* 


330  ^  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

recall  those  happy  and  innocent  days,  when  our  dear  father, 
even  in  our  childish  sports,  was  the  mainspring  of  our  joys, 
and  the  contriver  of  every  amusement.  We  always  found 
a  birth- day  present  for  us,  often  accompanied  by  an  affec- 
tionate note. 

"  Though  my  dear  father  was  naturally  playful  and  lively, 
his  spirits  were  easily  depressed  ;  and  they  appeared  to  un- 
dergo a  considerable  change  subsequent  to  the  summer  of 
1824,  the  period  at  which  Wilberforce's  health  began  to 
decline  :  Wilberforce  was  most  tenderly  endeared  to  him  ; 
and  there  was  a  strong  affinity  in  their  characters.  He 
was  just  beginning  to  unfold  a  very  fine  understanding,  and 
his  intellectual  attainments  were  certainly  superior  for  his 
age.  His  mind  had  been  cultivated  with  much  care  ;  and 
the  same  elegance  of  taste  and  delicacy  of  feeling,  so  pro- 
minent in  my  father's  character,  seemed  likewise  to  mark 
that  of  his  cherished  boy.  He  manifested  the  same  incli- 
nation to  the  studies  of  natural  philosophy  ;  and  when  the 
school  lessons  were  finished,  they  were  constantly  engaged 
together  in  these  pursuits.  While  the  other  boys  were  at 
play,  Wilberforce  generally  occupied  himself  in  reading  in 
the  study,  and  trying  experiments,  d^c.  Mineralogy,  in 
particular,  was  a  favourite  science  with  both  ;  and  in  each 
instance  it  beguiled  the  hours  of  declining  health.  Papa 
used  to  amuse  himself  with  his  minerals,  when  all  his  other 
scientific  pursuits  failed  to  interest  him  :  and  poor  W^illy 
found  the  same  pleasure  in  this  study  ;  for  within  a  few 
days  of  his  death,  he  was  searching  to  see  how  many  diffe- 
rent kinds  of  stones  might  be  enumerated.  He  had  never 
been  absent  from  home,  but  w^as  brought  up  under  the  im- 
mediate eye  of  his  parent,  and  watched  with  ceaseless  care. 
He  was  now  preparing  for  college,  and  sanguine  in  the 
hope  that  he  might  distinguish  himself ;  and  his  father  was 
looking  forward  with  deep  interest  to  this  period. 

*'  In  the  summer  of  1024,  my  brother  ruptured  a  blood- 
vessel, and  began  to  spit  blood.  My  dear  father  discovered 
great  anxiety  and  alarm  ;  though  we  did  not,  for  a  long 
time,  know  how  deeply  he  was  affected.     He  afterward 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  331 

told  mamma,  that  on  that  morning,  as  he  looked  on  Wil- 
berforce,  he  felt  a  shock,  which  seemed  to  shatter  him  to 
the  very  soul,  and  from  which  he  never  after  recovered. 
He  did  indeed,  to  use  his  own  words,  '  roll  the  troublous 
calamity  on  God,'  but  nature  sunk  under  the  stroke. 

« In  June  1 824,  he  took  a  journey  to  Scotland,  to  place 
Wilberforce  under  the  care  of  Dr.  Stewart  I  was  their 
companion  in  that  journey,  which  I  have  a  mournful  plea- 
sure in  retracing. 

"  It  was  very  pleasant  to  travel  with  my  father,  he  had 
such  an  exquisite  perception  of  the  beauties  of  nature ; 
and  every  object  of  interest  was  pointed  out  to  us  with  his 
own  elegant  and  devotional  ass«)ciations.  Often  has  he 
wandered  on  through  the  fine  scenes  of  Scotland,  both  by 
day-hght  and  moon-light,  with  poor  Willy  and  myself  at  his 
side  ;  and  we  have  sat  down  together  on  the  sea-shore,  or 
by  the  hedge  side,  while  he  showed  us  the  image  of  the 
Deity  in  the  beauty  of  his  works  :  and  whether  he  was 
contemplating  the  simple  wild-flower  or  the  resplendent 
firmament,  he  would  pomt  to  the  hand  of  Omnipotence  in 
both.  But  his  enjoyments  at  this  time  greatly  depended 
upon  his  dear  boy's  being  able  to  participate  in  them  :  if 
Willy  drooped,  his  spirits  were  gone,  and  nature  lost  its 
power  to  charm.  I  think  he  was  gradually  declining  in  his 
own  health,  though  he  did  not  complain.  He  was  watch- 
ing the  decay  of  bis  beloved  son,  while  his  own  frame  was 
giving  way. 

"  We  returned  home  in  October,  with  no  material  benefit 
to  our  dear  invalid  :  and  in  January  1825,  after  a  happy  and 
even  triumphant  experience  of  the  power  of  religion,  my 
brother  breathed  his  last  gentle  sigh  in  the  arms  of  his 
afflicted  father,  who  had  been,  in  God's  hands,  his  sole  teach- 
er, comforter,  and  supporter.  He  was  ever  at  the  dying 
pillow  of  his  suflering  child,  reading,  praying,  and  com- 
forting him,  by  day  and  by  night.  Before  us,  he  appeared 
composed  and  tranquil  ;  but  in  his  retired  moments.  I  have 
heard  him  give  vent  to  his  feelings,  with  strong  *  crying 
and  tears.'    I  remember,  on  the  evening  of  Wilberforce's 


332"  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

death,  after  he  had  yielded  to  the  first  burst  of  grief,  he 
clasped  the  inanimate  form  to  his  heart,  laid  it  down,  dried 
his  tears,  and  collecting  us  together  in  the  study,  he  knelt 
down,  and  uttered  only  the  language  of  praise  and  grati- 
tude. For  a  little  moment  he  seemed  not  only  to  follow, 
but  to  realize  his  child's  flight  and  welcome  to  the  realms 
of  glory.  His  whole  conduct  seemed  to  express,  '  though 
I  should  see  his  hand  lifted  to  slay  me,  yet  from  that  same 
hand  will  I  look  for  salvation.' 

"  He  was  much  comforted,  at  this  time,  in  his  parish  and 
in  his  own  family.  In  the  parish,  there  appeared  a  remark- 
able revival  of  religion,  particularly  among  the  young  peo- 
ple. It  might  be  truly  said  '  there  were  added  to  the 
church  daily,  such  as  should  be  saved.'  This  dear  boy's 
death  appeared  to  be  the  life  of  many  souls  ;  and,  in  my 
dear  father's  own  language,  '  they  were  as  spiritual  roses, 
blooming  around  the  grave  of  his  Willy.' 

*  ''  At  this  time,  his  character  as  a  parish  priest  shone 
forth  most  eminently.  He  was  singularly  blessed  among 
his  flock.  His  heart  was  always  in  Ins  work;  but  more 
particularly  did  he  now  preach  the  word,  in  season  and  out 
of  season  ;  '  reproving,  rebuking,  exhorting,  with  all  long- 
suffering  and  doctrine  '  An  increase  of  religious  inquiry 
and  anjjiety  among  his  people,  produced  a  corresponding 
increase  of  visiting  and  teaching  on  his  part  He  regular- 
ly met  a  party  of  his  pious  poor  at  a  neighbouring  cottage, 
on  Tuesdays  ;  frequently  a  different  set  on  Thursdays  ;  and 
on  Sunday  nights,  after  his  fatiguing  duties  in  the  church,  he 
met  those  who  had  been  newly  awakened  to  spiritual  life. 
His  heart  seemed  particularly  interested  in  this  last  little 
party,  which  he  used  to  call  '  his  spiritual  nursery .^  I  have 
looked  at  him  with  astonishment,  when  he  came  to  us  on 
Sunday  nights.  Unceasingly  occupied,  ft-om  ten  in  the 
morning  till  ten  at  night,  he  met  us  with  his  usual  cheerful- 
ness, and  entered  into  animated  and  interesting  conversa- 
tion, as  if  no  fatigue  was  felt.  On  Sunday  evenings,  after 
the  administration  of  the  sacrament,  he  met  the  communi- 

Ganls.     On  these  Qccasions,  he  was  happy  i»  being  sur- 


REV.  LE6H  RICHMOND.  333* 

rounded  by  his  spiritual  children,  dearly  loved  by  him,  and, 
lyn  the  whole,  he  could  look  on  them  with  approbation  and 
confidence,  as  his  *  glory  and  joy. '  He  was  earnest  in  en- 
forcing upon  them  consistency  of  character,  and  upright- 
ness in  temporal  affairs  :  anxious  that  the  enemies  of  true 
rehgion  should  have  no  cause  to  blaspheme  from  the  incon- 
sistencies of  its  professors,  but  that  his  people  should 
adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour,  ^d  put  to  silence 
the  ignorance  of  foolish  men,  showing  that  the  doctrines  of 
grace  are  the  doctrines  of  holiness. 

**  But  not  in  his  parish  alone  was  the  death  of  his  be- 
loved son  rendered  singularly  useful ;  his  heart  was  yet  more 
comforted  by  the  hope  t)f  solid  benefit  to  his  own  family. 
The  seed  which  had  been  sown  with  many  prayers,  and 
watered  with  many  tears,  though  it  had  hitherto  lain  dor- 
mant, began  at  this  time  to  spring  up  to  the  consolation  of 
his  bereaved  heart.  With  unspeakable  tenderness  he 
watched  over  the  signs  of  religious  anxiety  in  his  children, 
weeping  over  them  and  pra)  ing  for  them  with  the  most  ve- 
hement affection. 

"  It  was  a  few  days  after  Willy's  death,  that  my  own 
mind  was  in  a  state  of  agit.itmg  anxiety — thirsting  for  the 
knowledge  of  God  and  his  holiness,  yet  feeling  so  ignorant, 
dark,  and  helpless,  that  I  knew  not  where  to  look  for  encou- 
ragement or  assistance.  My  ignorance  was  my  great  bur- 
den. I  felt  as  if  I  never  could  understand  religion,  and 
with  these  feelings  I  went  into  the  study,  where  I  found  my 
beloved  parent  in  deep  meditation.  He  seemed  to  perceive 
at  one  glance  what  was  the  matter.  In  his  engaging  man- 
ner he  took  me  on  his  knee  and  foldirg  me  to  his  heart, 
begged  me  to  tell  hua  all  I  telt.  This  was  the  first  time  1 
had  opened  my  mind  to  him  on  the  subject  of  religion.  I 
tried  to  tell  him  my  feelings,  dwelling  particularly  on  my 
ignorance  and  total  blindness  in  spiritual  things  With  strik- 
ing humility  and  condescension,  he  replied,  *  well,  my  dear 
child,  we  will  begin  religion  together.  We  will  set  out  in 
the  first  step,  for  I  have  as  much  need  as  you  to  begin  all 
again.     We  must  go  to  Jesus  Christ  to  be  set  right.     Wc 


"334  MEBTOIRS    OP    THE 

will  ask  to  be  taught  the  first  lesson  in  his  religion,  and  wait 
in  the  ignorance  of  babes  tor  his  instruction.' 

"  In  the  following  winter,  my  dear  father's  failing  spirits 
sustained  another  severe  shock.  We  were  expecting  every 
week  our  eldest  brother  from  India  He  left  home  at  the 
age  of  fifteen,  and  eleven  years  had  now  elapsed  since  his 
father,  had  seen  him.  Many  singular  and  affecting  circum- 
stances had  occurred  during  this  mterval.  He  was  thrice 
shipwrecked  ;  and  on  one  occas^ion,  with  only  a  few  others, 
he  got  safe  to  shore.  In  his  early  youth  he  had  been  a 
source  of  much  sorrow  to  his  parents,  but  in  a  far  distant 
land  his  heart  was  turned  to  the  (lod  of  his  father  ;  and  we 
received  the  most  satisfactory  testimonies  to  his  conversion. 

**  My  fath  r's  sensitive  feelings  were  strained  to  the  high- 
est pitch  in  expectation  of  meeting  his  dear  sailor-boy,  who 
was  on  his  return  to  visit  us  ;  and  he  was  preparing  to  wel- 
come the  '  son  who  was  lost  and  is  found,  was  dead  and  is 
alive  again,'  when  the  mournful  tidings  of  his  death  reach- 
ed us. 

"Both  the  mind  and  body  of  my  dear  father  was  shatter- 
ed by  this  intelligence.  But  though  suffering  most  acutely, 
he  was,  as  in  the  former  bereavement,  the  comforter  and 
stay  of  his  family  y. — concealing  his  own  4eelings,.to  miti- 
gate theirs. 

"  He  used  to  be  much  alone  at  this  time,  communing 
with  his  own  heart,  in  his  chamber,  in  silence :  and  no 
doubt  it  was  his  fervent  and  frequent  devotion  which 
strengthened  and  enabled  him  '  to  comfort  those  who  were 
in  trouble  by  the  comfort  wherewith  he  himself  was  com- 
forted of  God.' 

"  He  had  shut  himself  up  for  six  weeks,  and  never  ap- 
peared in  public,  except  on  the  Sunday  ;  but  when  he 
heard  of  the  anxiety  of  the  people  to  see  him,  and  share 
the  sorrows  of  their  beloved  pastor,  he  desired  them  to  as- 
semble in  the  school-room  ,  and  he  went  there  to  meet 
them.  It  was  evidently  too  trying  and  exciting  for  his 
weak  frame  For  some  time  he  could  not  speak  ;  but 
when  he  recovered  himself,  his  address  was  inexpressibly 


REV.    LE6H    RICHMOND.  335 

touching,  and  yet  comforting.  The  people  wept  with  him, 
and  feh  his  sorrows  as  their  own.  lie  told  them,  that  con- 
scious of  tlieir  interest  in  him,  and  of  their  anxiety  to  know 
his  state  of  mind  under  this  afflictnig  rod,  he  had  come  on 
purpose  to  tell  them  what  God  could  do  for  tlie  soul  that 
looked  to  him  for  help  ;  that  they  might  magnify  the  Lord 
^vith  him,  and  exalt  his  name  together  He  said,  that  while 
he  had  heen  shut  up  in  the  solitude  of  his  study,  for  the  last 
six  weeks,  in  silent  communing  with  God,  he  had  learnt  to 
feel,  *  it  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted,' — that 
the  experience  of  his  soul  during  that  trying  season  had 
been,  *  in  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  witliin  me,  thy  com- 
forts have  refreshed  my  soul. 

"  He  then  expounded  the  107tli  Psalm,  with  reference 
to  poor  Nugent's  case  ;  and  expressed  himself  with  more 
than  ordinary  energy  and  freedom.  He  had  been  tried, 
but  he  came  forth  as  gold.  His  heavenly  Father  seemed 
to  say  to  him,  '  My  son,  give  me  thine  heart ;'  and  the  an- 
swer of  his  soul  was — *  i  here  is  none  upon  earth  I  desire 
in  comparis(m  of  thee.'  While  fainting  beneath  the  heavy 
load  of  suffering,  he  tried  to  say,  like  his  blessed  Master, 
*  the  cup  which  my  Father  hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink 
it?' 

"  He  now  resumed  his  usual  cottage  meetings  ;  and, 
though  his  constitution  was  evidently  sinking,  and  he  was 
labouring  far  beyond  his  strength,  he  could  not  be  per- 
suaded to  relax  or  lessen  any  of  his  pastoral  engagements. 
We  earnestly  pressed  him  to  retire  for  a  season  from  his 
duties  ;  but,  contrary  to  his  usual  yielding  temper,  he  re- 
mained inflexible  ;  adding,  either  *  it  does  not  injure  me  ;" 
or  *  I  shall  suffer  more  in  my  mind,  by  giving  them  up, 
than  in  my  body,  by  attending  to  them.'  The  last  year  of 
his  life,  he  had  a  constant  irritating  cough,  which  finally 
settled  upon  his  lungs ;  and  was,  no  doubt,  much  increased 
hy  such  frequent  talking  and  exposure  to  the  night  air. 

"  I  was  his  constant  companion  in  his  visits  to  the  cot- 
tages ;  and  he  oAen  looked  so  worn  and  fatigued,  and  his 
spirits    svmetiiDes    so    much    affected,    apparently   with 


336  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

thoughts  which  he  did  not  express,  that  I  have  turned 
away  to  weep  and  felt  undefinable  sensations  of  dread,  as 
the  idea  crossed  my  mind,  that  he  was  meditating  on  the 
final  separation. 

"  His  public  discourses  at  this  time  were  particularly 
awakening  as  well  as  confirming.  While  he  warned  his 
flock,  with  deep  solemnity,  lest  any  man  fail  of  the  grace 
of  God  '  he  enlarged  on  the  divme  promises,  the  glory  of 
the  Saviour,  and  the  blessedness  of  the  redeemed.  A  poor 
woman  remarked  to  me — *  Your  dear  papa  preaches  as  if 
he  was  near  home.' 

"  What  he  was  in  his  family  during  the  two  last  years  of 
his  life,  my  pen  can  but  faintly  describe.  Since  Nugent's 
and  Willy's  death-  his  affections  were  more  concentrated 
on  those  who  were  left ;  and  he  had,  also,  a  more  endear- 
ing tie,  for  he  could  now  look  on  some  of  his  family  as  his 
spiritual  children.  In  conversation  and  reading,  he  could 
find  companions  in  them.  Very  pleasant  is  the  recollec- 
tion of  the  happy  and  profitable  hours  spent  in  my  father's 
study.  He  used  to  awake  me  at  six  o'clock  every  morn- 
ing, and  I  read  to  him  till  breakfast.  He  was  fond  of  this 
early  hour,  and  kept  up  the  plan  even  through  the  last 
winter.  But  it  was  injurious  to  him  ;  for  when  his  cough 
was  bad,  and  his  health  sinking  daily,  he  would  still  rise 
before  the  servants  were  up,  call  me  and  my  brothers,  and 
then  light  his  own  fire,  that  all  might  be  ready  for  the 
reading  to  commence.  He  made  many  valuable  remark!! 
as  we  went  on  The  last  winter  months,  he  wished  me  to 
read  to  him  the  Cripplegale  Lectures.  Archbishop  Leigh- 
ton,  who  was  a  particular  favourite  with  him,  was  the  last 
author  we  read  together.  Sacred  is  the  memory  of  those 
hours  ;  his  health  was  declining,  but  his  soul  was  ripening 
for  gloiy  ;  and,  while  hstening  with  interest  to  the  deep 
experience  and  triumphant  victories  of  these  holy  men,  he 
was  probably  anticipating  the  near  approach  of  that  time^ 
when  he  should  join  their  company. 

"  His  mind  was  often  for  days  peaceful  and  tranquil.    At 
such  times,  he  never  spoke  of  Wiiberforce's  death,  but  in 


REV.    LEOH    RICHMOND.  537 

terms  of  gratitude  and  prawe  for  his  happy  end :  but  at 
other  times,  the  vivid  ren*  mbrance  of  his  bereavements 
seemed  to  overwhelm  him,  and  to  occasion  new  conflicts. 
i  have  heard  his  convulsive  sobs,  and  his  heart-touching 
prayers,  as  I  sat  in  the  room  beneath  the  study.  I  remem- 
ber on  one  day  in  particu;  -i .  he  had  been  a  long  time  alone, 
wishing  to  be  undisturbed  ;  and,  when  I  went  to  him,  I 
found  him  in  deep  sorrow.  Willy's  papers  were  lying 
before  him,  and  he  appecrfxl  in  great  agitation  of  mind. 
In  what  tollowed,  I  was  sii  uck  with  the  deep  humility  ol 
his  feelings.  He  said,  *  i;  was  not  unmingled  grief  for 
Wilberforce  which  was  then  uppermost ;  he  knew  he  was 
safe  in  heaven,  and  that  to  him  death  had  been  victory  : 
but  that  the  thought  paiii fully  harassed  him — shall  /  ever 
meet  him  in  heaven  ?  shall  /  indeed  ever  get  there  ? 
Friends,  try  to  comfort  jne,  by  saying,  (as  if  they  took  it 
tor  granted,)  that  sorrow  is  unnecessary  ;  for  the  separa- 
tion is  very  short,  and  we  shall  soon  meet  again  in  heaven. 
But,  alas  !  there  is  that  inward  consciousness  of  sin,  and 
that  perplexing  conflict,  that  /  cannot  take  it  for  granted  ; 
and  the  thought  is  now  sinking  me  in  the  very  dust,  shall 
1  indeed  meet  hiin  in  heaven  ?  Am  I  sure  eternity  will 
unite  us  ?  And  1  oflen  shudder,  and  fall  down  confounded; 
at  the  possibility  that,  after  ail,  I  may  come  short,  and  our 
separation  be  eternal.' 

"  This  was  an  aflecting  and  important  lesson.  I  saw 
that  the  most  holy  and  established  Christian  is  still  a  sin- 
ner, and  feels  himself  such  ;  that,  however  high  his  spiri- 
tual attainments  in  this  life,  the  flesh  still  weighs  down  the 
spirit.  1  had  heard  and  seen  my  dear  father  so  strong  in 
faith,  that  heaven  seemed  realized,  and  victory  obtained  i 
and  I  fancied  he  could  never  have  a  doubt  of  his  salvation. 
But  I  found,  that  the  father  in  Christ  could  weep -and  trem- 
ble like  the  babe,  because  of  the  sin  that  dwelleth  in  him. 

**  My  dear  father's  cough  continued,  and  he  became  very 
thin  ;  and  every  one  remarked  how  ill  he  looked.  But  lie 
appeared  not  to  notice  it,  and  we  thought  he  did  not  ap- 
prehend danger  :  we  have  since  found  that  we  were  mista- 


338  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

ken,  and  that  he  *  always  looked  on  the  cough  as  a  summons 
from  above.'  He  abated  nothing  of  his  work,  and  still 
continued  his  visits  to  the  poor.  It  was  in  the  cottage  of 
sorrow  and  by  the  bed  of  the  dying  that  my  beloved  parent's 
character  appeared  the  brightest.  •  He  was  the  father  as 
well  as  the  minister  of  his  people  ;  and  they  brought  all 
their  difficulties  and  troubles  to  him,  and  ever  found  in  him 
a  tender  and  judicious  adviser.  He  had  particular  pleasure 
in  conversing  with  the  pious  poor,  and  said  he  had  learnt 
some  of  his  best  lessons  from  them  ;  that  the  religion  of  the 
poor  in  general  was  more  spiritual  and  sincere  than  that  of 
the  rich  ;  that  they  lived  more  simply  the  life  of  faith  on  the 
Son  of  God.  I  have  seen  my  beloved  father  in  public,  Avhen 
the  gaze  of  admiration  was  fixed  on  him,  and  in  the  private 
drawing-room  I  have  beheld  him  the  delight  and  entertain- 
ment of  the  company,  and  my  heart  has  exulted  in  him  ; 
but  it  was  when  smoothing  the  pillow  of  poverty  and  death, 
that  I  most  loved  and  venerated  him  ;  and  discovered  the 
image  of  that  Saviour  '  who  went  about  doing  good.' 

"  In  the  month  of  February  he  went  to  Cambridge  for  a 
fortnight,  to  enter  Henry.  This  was  another  subject  of 
great  anxiety  to  his  mind  :  he  dreaded  the  temptations  of  a 
college  life  ;  and  expressed  much  solicitude,  lest  his  dear 
inexperienced  boy  should  be  corrupted,  and  his  religion  in- 
jured 

"  When  he  returned  from  Cambridge,  we  thought  he 
looked  better.  He  had  been  among  friends  he  loved,  and 
he  derived  great  pleasure  from  his  visit,  and  appeared  more 
cheerful  and  lively  than  we  had  known  him  for  the  last  two 
years.  He  Entered  into  conversation  with  spirit,  and  even 
amused  and  entertained  us  in  his  engaging  manner.  We 
^pent  one  week  with  him  in  this  improved  state  of  health 
and  spirits  { .but  he  soon  relapsed  into  his  former  thought- 
ful silence'.  The  next  week  he  caught  a  fresh  cold  and  his 
cDugh  returned  with  greater  violence  :  yet  he  would  have 
preached  on  the  following  Sunday,  if  his  voice  had  not  en- 
tirely failed  him.  I  do  not  think  he  imagined  that  he  had 
seen  his  people  for  the  last  time,  but  that  he  anticipated  a 
icmporaTy  a.mendment,  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  go  among 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  339 

Ihein  again.  But  his  ministry  was  closed  ;  and  he  was  to 
meet  them  no  more,  till  they  met  at  the  Judgment  seat  of 
Christ ! 

"  To  prevent  increase  of  cold,  he  kept  entirely  to  his 
study,  and  never  came  down  stairs  after  that  Sunday  ;  yet 
he  read  and  wrote  as  usual. 

"  It  may  seerft  extraordinary  that  he  never  spoke  to  us 
on  the  subject  of  his  death,  but  those  can  understand  it  who 
knew  the  exquisite  tenderness  and  susceptibility  of  his  feel- 
ings. His  i^ection  indeed  was  alinost  his  affliction.  He 
could  not  bear  to  witness  the  sorrow  which  would  have 
filled  our  hearts  in  the  certain  and  near  prospect  of  sepa- 
ration. He  wi<»hed  us,  I  think,  to  understand  his  situation 
and  to  observe  in  silence. 

"  There  were  no  violent  symptoms  to  mark  the  approach 
of  death  ;  but  a  gradual  decay  of  strength.  He  sat  with 
us  as  usual  in  his  study-chair  to  the  very  last  day, — almost 
to  the  last  hour.  I  recollect  many  things  which  I  did  not 
then  understand,  but  which  now  show  me  that  he  was  pre- 
paring for  death  :  with  surprising  calmness  he  set  his  house 
in  order.  He  made  a  catcilogue  of  his  principal  books, 
with  mnmoranda  how  they  were  to  be  disposed  of;  also  of 
his  minerals  and  philosophical  apparatus  ;  he  emptied  all 
the  cupboards  round  the  room,  which  had  not  been  done 
for  many  years  ;  he  burnt  every  book  which  he  thought  of 
an  injurious  tendency.  All  this  was  done  for  the  most  part 
in  silence,  it  being  painful  for  him  to  speak,  even  in  a 
whisper.  I  have  seen  him  sit  for  an  hour  together  in  the 
deepest  abstraction  of  thf>ught — then  he  would  raise  his 
eyes,  the  tears  streaming  down  his  pale  cheeks,  clasping 
his  hands,  as  if  in  the  fervency  of  importunate  prayer — and 
again  all  was  composure,  and  he  looked  peaceful  and  happy. 
He  seemed  to  be  maintaining  a  constant  communion  with 
God.  I  know  he  felt  deeply  for  his  children,  whom  he  was 
ab<iut  to  leave  young  and  inexperienced — exposed  to  a 
world  of  sin  and  temptation.  My  brother  and  I  have  fre- 
quently heard  him  break  forth  in  prayer  for  us  when  we 
had  scarcely  closed  his  door.  The  sounds  were  faint  and 
broken t  but  we  understood  their  import ;  and  the  nnutter^ 


340 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


able  tenderness  of  his  manner  towards  us  is  even  now  too 
affecting  to  dwell  upon.  He  would  sometimes  open  his 
arms  for  me  to  come  to  liiru,  and  laying  his  head  on  my 
shoulder  would  fall  again  into  deep  thought  His  parish 
also  was  always  upon  his  n^nd.  He  was  continually  in- 
quiring about  the  people,  and  sending  me  with  messages  to 
them  ;  and  he  listened  with  ir.uch  interesf  to  the  report  I 
made  of  them. 

*'  One  of  his  converts,  a  young  girl  of  nineteen,  was  at 
this  time  on  the  bed  of  death,  and  my  dear  father  regretted 
much  he  could  not  visit  her  ;  but  he  was  very  anxious  to 
comfort  and  instruct  her  through  me.  She  survived  him 
two  months,  and  died  in  the  same  peace,  perhaps  with 
more  triumph.  She  said,  just  before  her  death,  *  she 
longed  yet  more  for  heaven,  because  her  dear  minister  was 
there  to  welcome  her.'  I  knovv  that  he  was  full  of  anxiety 
for  a  suitable  successor,  and  <lie  idea  of  his  flock  being  dis- 
persed hung  heavy  upon  his  ^oirils.  One  morning,  when 
I  was  sitting  near  him,  he  l)n  st  into  tears  and  said,  '  oh  t 
my  parish  !  my  poor  parish  I  feel  as  if  1  had  done  nothing 
for  it,  as  if  it  had  been  so  n.ach  neglected.  1  have  not 
done  halfth.it  I  ought.'  It  v.  as  more  than  I  could  bear  to 
hear  him  speak  in  this  way  :  'or  I  had  seen  him  in  weari- 
ness, and  painfulness,  and  v.Jtchings,  spending  aud  being 
spent,  if  by  any  means  he  h,  ght  win  souls  to  Christ.  I 
suggested  to  him  his  labour?  and  the  singular  usefulness  of 
his  ministry,  especially  witliK;  the  last  two  years  :  he  would 
still  reply,  *  no  thanks  to  uu\  no  thanks  to  me.  I  see  it  so 
different  now,  as  if  1  had  done  just  nothing.  I  see  nothing 
but  neglect  and  duties  left  nadone.'  T  could  n-  t  help  re- 
flecting on  the  different  aspf  ct  things  must  have  when  eter- 
nity is  opening  upon  us. 

"  He  was  considerably  cheered  soon  after  this,  by  the 

prospect  of  Mr.  H becoming  his  curate  ;  it  seemed  to 

revive  him  ;  he  lost  sight  ot  other  troubles  in  the  thought 
that  his  church  w(»uld  be  wrll  supplied. 

"  He  often  recurred  to  Henry's  residence  at  college,  and 
talked  of  his  fears  for  his  c'oar  boy  till  he  was  quite  spent* 
He  would  say,  *l  have  seen  the  ruiaof  so  many  promising 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  341 

youths  by  a  college  life,  and  those  apparently  as  amiable 
and  pious  as  my  own  dear  chiM.  I  know  the  difficulty  of 
maintaining  spiritual  religion  at  Cambridge.  Even  studies 
which  are  in  themselves  1 1  wful,  and  which  he  ought  to  pursue, 
have  a  tendency  to  weaken  piety  and  interrupt  private  de- 
votion. Christ  has  often  been  crucified  between  classics  and 
mathematics,  I  wish  him  to  be  diligent  in  his  studies-  but 
the  Bible  is  the  proper  library  for  a  young  man  entering 
into  the  church.  If  he  does  but  understand  the  Bible  ex- 
perimentally. 1  shall  be  content.  Bid  him,  F — ,  to  be  very 
careful  of  his  companions,  that  they  be  few,  and  more  ad- 
vanced in  religion  than  himsell  ;  and  particularly  that  he 
attends  Mr.  S — 's  ministry.  It  cheers  my  heart,  that  there 
is  such  a  ministry  at  Cambridge.  Be  sure  you  talk  to  him 
about  these  things.  Warn  him  of  declensions,  and  against 
sacrificing  religion  to  the  desire  of  distinction.  That 
dear  boy,  and  his  approaching  trials,  are  never  out  of  my 
thoughts;  I  ihkik  of  him  by  day,  and  dream  of  him  by 
night.' 

*♦  We  found  in  his  desk  a  sheet  of  paper  on  which  was 
written  *  Cambridge  documents.'  'J'hese  were  directions 
for  Henry,  but  not  finished.  He  had  often  expressed  a 
great  desire  to  see  a  son  in  the  church,  ready  to  take  his 
place.  *  If  I  might  but  hear  a  true  gospel  sermon  from  one 
of  my  chiUlren,  1  should  die  in  peace.'  On  another  occa- 
sion, he  expressed  great  delight  that  his  young  friend  C, 
H —  visited  the  poor,  and  said,  '  you  must  recommend  this 
(o  Henry,  as  the  very  best  preparation  for  the  ministry. 
Try,  my  dear  F — ,  to  keep  him  up  to  it.  Tell  him  his 
poor  father  learnt  his  most  valuable  lessons  for  the  ministry, 
and  his  most  useful  experience  in  religion,  in  the  poor  man's 
cottage.' 

"  The  last  time  he  spoke  to  me  on  personal  religion  he 
endeavoured  to  establish  my  mind  in  the  doctrine  of  aa» 
surance,  and  enlarged  on  its  importance,  and  its  tendency 
to  promote  both  comfort  and  obedience.  He  pointed  t9 
Archbishop  Leighton  as  my  pattern  :  ♦  see  how  holily  an^ 
lovingly  that  naH  walked  with  God,  beoausQ  he  bcfieved 

30» 


S4S  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

that  his  salvation  was  safe  and  settled,  thnt  he  was  chosen 
in  Christ.  Try,  my  dear  child,  to  expand  your  views  ; 
look  at  the  magJiificent  scheme  of  salvation — the  contract 
between  the  Father  and  his  eternal  Son.  How  much 
better  to  look  out  of  self,  and  see  all  perfected  in  Christ. 
You  will  never  be  happy  and  strong,  till  you  grasp  the 
covenant  plan  of  redemption.  You  live  upon  self  too 
much  ;  you  will  get  misery  and  despair,  but  nothing  else, 
by  looking  to  yourself  You  must  live  upon  Christ ;  he 
has  done  all  for  you,  if  you  could  but  believe  it.' 

"  Of  the  last  sermons  I  read  to  him,  one  was  entitled, 
'  Hope  amidst  Billows,'  the  other  '  The  Believer  a  Hero.' 
This  last  I  read  twice  to  him  ;  and  he  expressed  much 
delight  in  listening  to  it.  It  seemed  to  suit  the  state  of 
his  mind,  and  correspond  with  his  own  sentiments.  At 
one  part  of  the  sermon  he  stopped  me,  that  he  might 
meditate  on  what  he  heard,  and  then  he  said,  '  read  it 
again.*  It  seemed  to  cheer  his  mind.  •  When  I  had 
finished  it,  '  this'  said  he,  '  exactly  expresses  what  I  would 
say  to  you  ;  that  is  just  my  sentiment  ;'  and  he  told  me  to 
turn  down  the  leaf,  that  he  might  show  it  to  mamma.  I 
have  copied  the  passage  ;  it  appears  to  me  very  beautiful, 
and  is  greatly  erfdearfd  to  me,  as  having  comforted  my 
dear  father  a  few  days  only  before  his  death. 

"  *  The  fear  of  God  is  not  a  perplexing  doubting,  and 
distrust  of  his  love  :  on  the  contrary,  it  is  a  fixed  resting 
and  trust  in  his  love.  Many  who  have  some  truth  of 
grace  are,  through  weakness,  filled  with  disquieting  fears  ; 
but,  possibly,  though  they  perceive  it  not,  it  may  be  in 
some  a  point  of  wilfulness,  a  little  latent  undiscerned  af- 
fectation of  scrupling  and  doubting,  placing  much  of  reli- 
gion in  it.  True,  where  the  soul  is  really  solicitous  about 
its  interest  in  God,  that  argues  some  grace ;  but  being 
vexingly  anxious  about  it,  argues  that  grace  is  weak  and 
low.  A  spark  there  is  even  discovered  by  that  smoke, 
but  the  great  smoke  still  continuing  and  nothing  seen  but 
it,  argues  there  is  little  fire,  httle  faith,  little  love ;  and 
then  as  it  is  unpleasant  to  thyself,  so  it  is  to  God,  as 
.s^oke  to  the  eyes.      What  if  on«  should  be  always 


REV.    LEOB    RICHMOND. 


34[a 


questioning  with  a  friend,  whether  he  loved  him  or  not, 
and  upon  every  httle  occasion  were  ready  to  think  he  doth 
not,  hiow  would  they  disrelish  their  society  together, 
though  truly  loving  each  other.  The  far  more  excellent 
way,  and  more  pleasing  both  to  ourselves  and  to  God, 
were  to  resolve  on  humble  trust,  reverence,  and  confidence, 
being  most  afraid  to  offend,  delighting  to  walk  in  his  ways, 
loving  him  and  his  will  in  all  ;  and  then  resting  persuaded 
of  his  love,  though  he  chastise  us,  and  even  though  we 
oQend  him,  and  see  our  offences  in  our  chastisements,  yet 
he  is  good  ;  plenteous  in  redemption,  ready  to  forgive  ; 
therefore  let  Israel  hope  and  trust.  Let  my  soul  roll  itself 
on  him,  and  adventure  there  all  its  weight.  He  bears 
greater  matters,  upholding  the  frame  of  heaven  and  earth, 
and  is  not  troubled  nor  burdened  with  it.' 

"  Three  days  after,  he  asked  me  to  read  one  of  New- 
ton's letters,  from  the  volume  entitled  *  The  Aged  Pil- 
grim's Triumph.'  He  listened  to  me  with  interest,  but 
did  not  speak,  except  to  thank  me. 

*'  When  his  meals  were  brought  to  him,  he  used  to  clasp 
his  wasted  hands,  and  ask  a  blessing  '  I  thank  thee, 
heavenly  Father,  for  these  undeserved  mercies  to  such  an 
unworthy  sinner.'  There  may  be  nothing  more  in  the 
words  than  any  other  Christian  would  utter  ;  but  the 
humility  ami  reverence  of  his  manner  deeply  affected  us. 

"  Nearly  the  whole  of  (iood  Friday,  he  sat  in  a  solemn 
prayerful  meditation,  with  that  exquisite  print  of  Guido's 
before  him,  the  head  of  our  Saviour  "rowned  with  thorns. 
His  attention  seemed  rivetted  on  it,  but  he  said  nothing. 

"  On  Easter  Sunday  the  sacrament  was  administered 
at  the  church  This  day  he  regarded  with  peculiar 
reverence,  and  some  new  converts  generally  partook  of 
the  sacred  ordinance  at  this  time,  whom  he  had  been  pre- 
paring during  the  past  year.  The  delight  with  which  he 
gave  them  these  emblems  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
was  very  uncommon.  It  would  cheer  his  spirits  for  weeks. 
This  was  the  first  Easter  Sunday  during  his  residence  at 
Turvey  that  he  had  been  prevented  from  joining  his  church, 
and  commemorating  the  resurrection  of  our  blessed  Re- 


344  SEUOIRS    OF    THE 

deemer,  and  he  seemed  to  feel  the  privation  deeply.  Be- 
fore we  went  to  church,  he  told  us  to  remember  him  at  the 
table,  and  he  would  join  the  communion  of  the  saints  in 
his  study.  He  said,  *  I  shall  look  at  my  watch,  and  mark 
the  exact  time  and  read  the  service,  that  I  may  be  one 
with  you  in  the  fellowship  of  the  redeemed.'  On  our  re* 
turn  we  saw  the  prayer  book  open  before  him.  and  he  was 
still  intent  on  the  communion  service.  He  looked  up  with 
great  composure  in  his  countenance,  and  said,  *  i  have 
followed  you  in  every  sentence,  and  I  think  I  may  say,  1 
have  indeed  been  with  you,  and  enjoyed  a  sweet  cora- 
munion.' 

"  He  had  a  great  dishke  to  keep  his  bed  ;  and  I  cannot 
but  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God,  that  it  was  not 
necessary.  He  rose  every  day,  to  the  last,  and  sat  as 
usual  in  his  study  ;  only  getting  up  a  little  later,  and  going 
to  bed  earlier,  as  his  strength  gradually  failed  him.  The 
last  fortnight  he  was  very  silent,  and  appeared  constantly 
in  prayer  and  meditation. — waiting  his  dismissal,  and  the 
end  of  his  earthly  pilgrimage.  At  this  time,  nothing 
seemed  to  disturb  him  ;  and  he  appeared  to  realize  the  full 
import  of  that  blessed  promise,  '  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in 
perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee.'  I  have 
often  thought  he  exemplified  the  faith  his  favourite  Leigh- 
ton  commends — '  Let  thy  soul  roll  itself  on  God,  and  ad- 
venture there  all  its  weight.'  It  was  indeed  an  unspeak- 
ble  delight  to  us  to  observe  the  unruffled  calm  of  his  soul  j 
and  it  confirmed  our  minds  in  the  truth  and  value  of  the 
doctrines  he  had  taught  for  thirty  years.  We  had  seen 
our  beloved  father  prostrate  in  soul  before  God,  under  a 
consciousness  of  indwelling  sin  ;  we  had  heard  him  be- 
moaning himself,  after  a  long  life  of  usefulness,  as  an  un- 
profitable servant,  renouncing  again  and  again  all  hope  of 
salvation  by  his  own  goodness,  and  fleeing  to  Jesus  as  his 
only  refuge.  To  use  his  words  to  C.  H — ,  '  It  is  only  by 
coming  to  Christ  as  a  little  child,  and  as  for  the  first  time, 
that  I  can  get  peace.'  Yet,  though  for  a  time  perplexed, 
he  was  not  forsaken.  We  saw  him  comforted  of  God, 
aad  proving  what  he  had  often  said  to  me — <  Christ  ba« 


REV.  LEOH    RICHMOND.  345» 

firm  hold  of  you,  however  feeble  your  grasp  of  him  ;'  and 
now  we  saw  him  stron<^  in  faith,  and  in  the  last  hour  of 
dissolving  nature,  rejoice  in  the  sure  and  certain  hope  of 
the  glory  of  God.  He  did  indeed  find,  to  use  the  dying 
words  ot  my  beloved  brother,  '  the  rest  that  Christ  gives 
is  sweet.'  He  was  silent  but  it  was  a  most  expressive 
silence  ;  and  revealed  emotions  of  joy  and  praise  not  to 
be  described.  Many  touching  circumstances  occurred, 
which  showed  both  the  man  and  the  I'hrisiian  ;  but  they 
are  of  too  delicate  a  nature  to  be  communicated  beyond 
the  circle  of  his  own  family. 

"  Two  days  before  his  death  he  received  a  letter  men- 
tioning the  conversion  of  two  persons  (one  of  whom  was  a 
clergyman,)  by  the  f)eiusal  of  his  tract,  '  The  Dairyman's 
Daughter.'  VVhen  the  letter  was  given  him,  he  seemed  too 
feeble  to  open  it  himself,  and  desired  Henry  to  read  it  to 
him.  The  contents  deeply  interested  him  He  raised 
himself  in  his  chair,  lin;ed  up  his  hand,  and  then  let  it  fall 
down  again  ;  while  he  repeatedly  shook  his  head.  His 
manner  spoke  the  greatest  humility,  as  if  he  would  say — 
'How  unworthy  of  such  honour!'  For  h  few  moments  it 
seemed  to  administer  a  cordial  to  his  fninting  spirit,  and 
led  our  minds,  in  referem'.e  to  our  dear  father  to  contem- 
plate the  near  fulfilment  of  that  promis<'.  They  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness,  shall  shine  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever.* 

*♦  On  Tuesday,  the  8th  of  May,  he  rose  later  than  usual ; 
I  think  it  was  twelve  before  he  got  into  the  study  ;  and  he 
was  so  weak  that  he  had  great  difficulty  in  walking  there, 
from 'his  bedroom  His  breath  was  short,  and  he  looked 
very  pale,  but  he  said  he  felt  no  pain.  He  sat  on  his 
reading-chair,  with  bis  head  resting  on  a  pillow  :  his  coun- 
tenance and  manner  was  calm  and  peaceful  In  the  after- 
noon he  could  scarcely  support  himself;  and  I  kneeled  on  a 
chair  behind  him,  and  he  laid  his  head  on  my  shoulder. 
Once  he  seemed  to  be  fainting,  but  he  soon  revived  ;  and 
looking  calmly  at  mc,  he  said,  *  Better  now,  love.* 

'•  Mamma  could  no  longer  stay  in  the  room,  and  i  was 


346  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

left  alone  with  him  till  five.  He  still  said  nothing,  except 
to  assure  me  he  felt  no  pain.  To  the  very  last,  it  appear- 
ed to  be  his  great  desire  to  spare  our  feelings.  We  now 
persuaded  him  to  go  to  bed,  but  we  little  thought  death 
was  so  near.  He  could  not  walk,  and  we  were  going  to  ring 
for  a  servant,  to  assist  him ;  but  he  said,  '  I  should  like 
Henry  to  carry  me.'  He  was  wasted  to  a  skeleton : 
Henry  took  him  up  with  great  ease,  and  we  all  followed.  I 
shall  never  forget  this  most  affecting  moment :  it  was  a  mo- 
ment of  anguish  to  me,  more  than  the  last  scene  He 
seemed  to  know  that  he  was  leaving  the  study,  never  to  re- 
turn to  it  :  his  look  told  me  that  he  knew  it.  This  was  his 
favourite  room  where  for  more  than  twenty  years  he  had 
constantly  carried  on  his  pursuits.  There  he  had  written 
his  books — studied  his  sermons — instructed  his  children — 
conversed  with  his  flock,  and  offered  daily  sacrifice  of 
praise  and  prayer.  I  watched  him,  as  Henry  carried  him 
out  :  his  countenance  preserved  the  same  look  of  fixed 
composure.  He  raised  his  head,  and  gave  one  searching 
look  round  the  room,  on  his  books — his  table — his  chaii  — 
his  wife — his  children  ; — and  then  the  door  closed  on  him 
for  ever !  He  gave  the  same  look  round  the  gallery, 
through  which  we  passed,  as  if  hff  was  bidding  farewell  to 
every  thing.  There  was  a  peculiar  expression  in  his  coun- 
tenance, which  I  cannot  describe  ;  it  seemed  to  say,  '  Be- 
hold, I  die,  but  God  will  hf.  with  you  I'  Henry  seated  him 
in  a  chair  ;  and  he  sat  to  be  undressed,  like  a  little  depen- 
dant child,  in  deep  silence,  but  without  the  ruffling  of  a 
feature. 

"  About  nine,  he  seemed  rather  wandering  ;  and  made 
an  effort  to  speak,  but  we  could  not  make  out  his  mean- 
ing ;  only  we  perceived  he  was  thinking  of  his  church,  for 
we  heard  him  say  several  times,  'It  will  be  all  confusion!' 
Mamma  asked  him  what  would  be  confusion.  '  The  church  ! 
There  will  be  such  confusion  in  my  church  !' 

'•  About  ten  o'clock,  he  signified  to  mamma,  in  the  gen- 
tlest whisper,  that  he  wished  to  be  left  alone — to  send  US 
all  away,  and  draw  the  curtains  round  bim. 


i 


REV.    LEGH   RICHMOND. 


347 


"About  half-past  ten,  Mrs.  G.,  the  kind  and  faithful 
nurse  of  Willy,  tapped  at  my  door.  I  was  reading  the 
Bible,  and  had  just  reached  that  verse,  *  That  ye  be  not 
slothful,  but  folio we!^  of  them  who  through  faith  and  pa- 
tience inherit  the  promis^.'  I  have  thought  the  coinci* 
dence  remarkable,  at  least  I  trust  it  will  ever  give  a  quick- 
ening influence  to  that  passage,  when  I  read  it.  She.  told 
me  to  come  and  look  at  my  father.  She  said,  she  could 
hardly  tell  whether  there  was  any  change  or  not.  1  hur- 
ried to  him.  He  raised  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  then  closed 
them.  I  put  my  cheek  upon  his  ;  and  1  believe  at  that  in- 
stant I  felt,  for  I  could  not  hear,  his  dying  sigh.  I  thought 
he  was  sleeping,  and  continued  looking  at  him,  till  Hannah 
said,  *  Your  dear  papa  is  in  heaven.'  I  did  not  think  him 
dead  ;  and  I  rubbed  fiis  still  warm  hands,  and  kissed  his 
pale  cheek,  and  entreated  him  to  speak  one  word  to  me : 
but  I  soon  found  it  was  the  silence  of  death.  All  turned 
to  poor  mamma,  who  was  insensible  ;  and  I  was  thus  left 
alone  with  my  dear  father,  kneeling  beside  him,  with  his 
hand  in  mine.  The  same  holy  calm  sat  on  his  countenance, 
and  seemed  to  say — *  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  has  given  me 
the  victory  !' 

*'  The  scene  that  followed  was  truly  afflictive.  The  grief 
of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  was  unchecked  ;  for  he 
who  had  always  comforted  them,  and  bid  them  kiss  the  rod, 
was  no  longer  with  them.  The  contrast  between  the  after 
scene  of  Wilberforce's  and  our  beloved  parent's  death, 
was  peculiarly  affecting  to  me.  When  my  brother  died, 
my  father  assembled  us  together,  to  implore  resignation, 
and  offer  praise.  But  when  he  liimself  departed,  all  seem- 
ed gone.  There  was  no  one  to  collect  us  ;  and  we  were 
scattered  in  wild  sorrow,  with  a  feeling  of  desolation  which 
was  quite  unutterable, 

"  We  cannot,  we  ought  not  to  forget  such  a  father. 
Yea,  I  would  add,  «  when  I  forget  thee  may  my  right  hand 
i'oTgei  her  cunning.' 

"  The  hand  of  Go<l  has  gone  out  against  us — yet  '  the 
-ccd  of  the  righteous  is  not  forsaken.'  He  has  cut  off  the 
*  stream  which  made  us  glad,* — but  praised  be  hi?  namp. 


348  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

he  invites  us  Jo  the  *  living  fountain,'  where  our  souls  may 
drink  and  be  satisfied. 

•«  Believe  me,  my  dear  Mrs.  F., 

"  Your  very  affectionate, 

^  F.  R." 

Mr.  Richmond  was  buried  in  the  church  of  Turvey,  and 
m  the  same  vault  which  contained  the  remains  of  his  be- 
loved Wilberforce,  and  of  two  infant  sons.  The  affecting 
circumstances  of  the  funeral  are  thus  described  by  a  friend, 
who  was  a  spectator  of  the  solemn  scene. 

'<  I  was  hastening  to  witness  the  sad  obsequies  of  this 
excellent  man  ;  the  bell  tolled  heavily,  and  seemed  to  smite 
on  my  ear  with  more  than  ordinary  solemnity.  Sorrow 
was  depicted  on  every  countenance,  and  the  mourners 
crossed  my  path  at  every  step.  Even  the  aged  and  the 
sick,  who  had  long  heard  from  his  lips  the  glad  tidings  of 
salvation,  crept  out  of  their  cottages,  resting  on  their  crut- 
ches, or  leaning  on  the  arm  of  friendship,  to  gaze  on  the 
mournful  cavalcade,  and  weep  over  their  melancholy  be- 
reavement. 

",  Every  eye  exhibited  the  struggle  of  feeling,  and  spoke 
more  for  the  memory  of  the  deceased  than  volumes  written 
in  his  praise  Multitudes  from  the  neighbouring  villages 
were  attracted  to  the  spot,  and  came  to  pay  their  tribute 
of  affection  to  the  memory  of  one  with  whose  name  they 
had  lone  associated  feelings  of  respect  and  esteem.  The 
members  of  the  men's  club,  established  by  Mr.  Richmond 
at  Turvey,  had  assembled  with  their  long  wands,  clothed 
in  mourning,  and  formed  a  double  line  from  the  rectory  to 
the  church  porch.  Through  this  avenue  the  body  was 
borne,  without  interruption  from  the  crowds  of  spectators. 
It  was  carried  by  six  bearers,  and  the  pall  was  held  by  the 
same  number  of  clergymen  from  the  neighbourhood,  whose 
countenances,  marked  with  profound  sorrow,  seemed  to 
say,  *  alas  !  my  brother  !'  There  followed  as  mourners, 
the  family — the  more  respectable  of  the  parishioners — the 
communicants — the  friendly  societies  of  young  and  old — 


REV.    LE6H    RICHMOND. 

•]ie  Sunday  and  day  schools — and  a  long  train  of  the  poor, 
with  many  strangers  who  were  present  on  the  occasion. 
The  men's  club  joined  the  procession  as  it  passed  along  ; 
and  the  whole  presented  to  my  eye  the  most  affecting  pic- 
ture of  deep  and  sincere  sorrow  I  ever  witnessed. 

"  The  service  was  read,  at  the  request  of  the  family,  by 
Mr.  Grirashawe,  who  delivered  an  addiess  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  funeral,  in  compUance  with  the  wishes  of  the  pa- 
rishioners, and  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of  the  de- 
ceased rector." 

The  following  Sunday,  a  sermon  was  preached  at  Turvcy 
church,  on  the  occasion,  by  the  Rev.  T.  Fry,  rector  of  Em- 
berton, to  an  overflowing  congregation.  So  great  was  the 
number  of  persons  that  attended,  that  many  went  away, 
unable  to  procure  admittance.  Not  only  was  every  space 
in  the  church  and  the  chancels  occupied  but  the  marble 
monuments  were  covered  with  people,  and  even  the  large 
beams  which  supported  the  roof  Mr.  Richmond,  some 
years  before  his  decease,  had  selected  a  passage  of  Scrip- 
ture ;  and  Mr.  Fry,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  his 
friend,  took  his  text  from  Romans  vii.  24,  25, — *  O  wretch- 
ed man  that  I  am  !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  this  body  of 
death  ?     I  thank  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.'* 

Letter  from  Mrs.  Richmond  : — 

"  Dear  Sir, 

"  Allow  me  to  assure  you  of  the  unfeigned  satisfac- 
tion which  I  feel  in  addressing  you  as  the  biographer  of  my 
late  most  dear  and  lamented  liusband. 

"  That  the  task  lias  devolved  on  you,  who  were  better 
acquainted  tlian  most  othei*s  with  tJie  qualities  of  him  whom 
you  so  justly  loved  and  valued,  is  a  melancholy  pleasure, 
connected  with  my  afflictive  bereavement. 

"  The  confidential  and  affectionate  intercourse,  which 
lor  so  many  years  subsisted  between  you,  afforded  nume- 
rous and  varied  opportunities  lor  making  a  just  estimate  of 
iiis  character  :  and  I  feel  full  confidence  that  you  will  be 

*  Sermons  were  preached  in  the  neighbourhood  by  the  editor 
and  other  clergfyoien,  the  succeeding  Sunday. 
31 


350  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

faithful  in  your  own  observations  on  this  honoured  servant 
of  the  sanctuary. 

"  To  him,  indeed,  it  is  a  thing  of  nought ; — his  witness 
is  in  heaven,  and  his  record  is  on  high.  But  to  those 
whom  he  has  left  behind  in  this  vale  of  tears,  it  is,  I  think, 
a  lawful  source  of  anxiety  and  interest,  that  '  his  name 
should  be  had  in  remembrance.' 

"  His  public  character  you  had  more  frequent  and  diver- 
sified means  of  appreciating  tlian  I  had.  But  in  the  private 
and  family  circle,  it  may  naturally  be  supposed  that  to  my- 
self he  was  best  known. 

"  In  the  endeared  relations  of  husband  Rndfatfier,  those 
only  knew  his  value  who  are  now  left  to  deplore  his  loss. 
The  honoured  but  unworthy  partner  of  his  weal  and  wo. 
can  bear  grateful  testimony,  how  truly  be  fulfilled  the  apos- 
tolic injunction  of  loving  his  wife  ;  how  patiently  he  bore 
with  her  infirmities  ;  and  with  what  tenderness  of  mind 
and  refinement  of  feeling,  he  manifested  the  daily  recurring 
instances  of  his  affectionate  and  devoted  attachment. 

"  The  subject  is  sacred  and  delicate,  and  my  pencil 
might  be  thought  to  colour  too  highly  ;  but  on  my  own 
heart  is  indelibly  impressed  the  fond  remembrance  of  what 
he  was  to  me — a  remembrance  which  death  only  can 
eflTace  : — and  which  I  humbly  hope  will  be  renewed,  with 
increased  powers  of  recollection,  when  I  shall  have  come  out 
of  this  great  tribulation,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb, 
nd  made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  samts  in  hght. 

"  Nevertheless,  I  feel  myself  called  upon  to  oflTer  the  tri- 
bute of  hiy  heart's  best  effusions  of  gi-atitude  for  a  con- 
tinued course  of  connubial  felicity,  enjoyed  by  few  to  the 
same  extent.  To  him  I  was  indebted  for  thirty  years  of 
domestic  Iiappiness,  from  the  recollections  of  which,  '  vi- 
sions of  past  enjoyment  rise,  in  long  and  bright  array  ;' 
while  I  am  painfully  reminded  that  they  are  joys  departed ; 
for,  <  in  the  forsaken  tomb,  the  form  beloved  is  laid  !' 

*'  In  how  many  instances  did  he  cast  the  mantle  of  love 
over  my  deficiencies  and  short-comings  ! — and  when  he 
might  have  been  '  much  bold  in  Christ,  to  enjoin  me  tliat 
which  is  convenient :  yet,  for  love's  sake,  he  rather  be- 
soneht  me.' 


REV.  LEGH    RICHMOND.  35t 

"  But  it  is  as  a  candidate  for  heaven  that  I  supremely 
teel  my  obligations  to  my  departed  husband.  Here  the 
dispenser  and  the  possessor  of  all  earthly  joys  must  have 
their  close  ; — Here  all  sublunary  bliss  must  cease  !  But 
there,  mortality  s»hail  put  on  immortality  ;  and  the  pleasures 
at  God's  right  hand  are  for  evermore.  To  him  I  owe  the 
hope  of  never-ending  happiness  :  and  I  rejoice  in  the  bless- 
ed prospect,  that  from  having  been  fellow-pilgrims  on 
earth,  we  shall  be  fellow-heirs  of  glory  in  heaven.  And 
if  celestial  happiness  can  be  increased  by  the  reunion  of 
terrestrial  objects  of  affection,  mine  must  receive  addition 
from  again  beholding  him.  The  anticipation  cheers  my 
widowed  heart.  Oh  !  that  we  may  again  meet,  *  with  our  old 
and  with  our  young,  with  our  sons  and  with  our  daughters.' 

"  As  a  father  he  possessed  a  tenderness  and  sweetness 
of  affection  almost  peculiar  to  himself.  How  does  my 
heart  now  thrill,  while  I  recall  the  affectionate  and  paren- 
tal emotions  with  which  he  took  each  new-born  babe  in  his 
arms  ;  and  like  Simeon  of  old,  blessed  it !  Those  prayers 
were  registered  in  heaven,  they  have  descended  in  bless- 
ings on  his  children,  and  they  are  yet  *  the  portion  and 
inheritance  for  them,  in  their  Father's  house  :'  a  bequest 
more  precious  than  silver  and  gold.  I  doubt  not  that 
those  prayers  were  accepted  for  the  Saviour's  sake ;  and 
the  surviving  parent  adds  her  petition — *  Therefore,  now 
let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it 
may  continue  for  ever  before  thee  :  with  thy  blessing  let 
the  house  of  thy  servant  be  blessed  for  ever." 

*'  In  pourtraying  the  general  <  haracter  of  my  dear  hus- 
band, his  peculiarly  prominent  feaiute  of  benevolence  should 
be  specially  notice<i  ;  for  he  possessed  it  in  the  most  ex- 
tended and  comprehensive  meaning  of  the  word. 

*•  It  was  a  universal  k\ni\neas  an<l  good-will,  best  descri- 
bed by  the  charity  which  *  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all 
thing?,  hopeth  all  thmgs,  endureth  all  things  A  charity 
which  never  failed.'  There  were  occasions  when  accord- 
ing to  man's  wisdom,  this  virtue  might  have  been  and  was 
thought  to  partake  of  the  works  of  supererogation  And 
certam  it  is,  that  in  some  instances,  the  unsuspecting  sim- 
plicity of  his  disposition  subjected  him  to  consequenccF 


352  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

which  fully  proved  that  the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser 
in  their  generation  than  the  children  of  light ! 

"  But  he  was  ever  mindful  of  the  admonition,  '  never  im- 
pute a  bad  motive  to  any  one,  while  you  can  find  a  good 
one.'  The  motto  which  encircled  his  heart  was,  '  glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men.' 

"  This  was  his  Christian  badge  ;  nor  can  I  recollect  a 
single  instance  in  which  he  ever  laid  it  aside.  '  Speak  not 
evil  one  of  another,'  was  a  very  remarkable  characteristic 
of  my  beloved  husband.  W  ith  David  he  said,  '  I  will  take 
heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue.'  He  ap- 
peared never  to  lose  sight  of  this  caution,  nor  did  he  ever 
fail  to  check  the  forgetfulness  of  it  in  others  when  occa- 
sion required. 

"  His  own  breast  was  the  sacred  depository  of  any  event, 
circumstance,  or  communication  which  cast  reproach  upon- 
the  church,  or  on  individuals.  And  that  with  a  conviction,, 
founded  upon  the  sure  word  of  God,  that '  the  tongue  is  an 
unruly  evil' 

"  You,  dear  sir,  need  not  to  bo  intormed  of  his  unweari- 
ed labours  of  love,  when  publicly  engagetl  in  the  cause  of 
God.  You  well  know  that  he  counted  no  personal  sacri- 
fice too  dear,  so  that  he  might  win  souls  to  Christ. 

"  Were  any  tempted  to  think  that  he  robbed  his  own  to. 
enrich  others,  and  that  enthusiasm  carried  him  too  often 
and  too  far  from  kindred  ties,  and  from  the  appointed  flock 
over  which  God  had  made  him  overseer  ?  Let  wife,  chil- 
dren, and  flock,  separately  and  unitedly  declare,  without 
partiality  and  without  hyprocrisy,  what  was  the  spirit  in 
which  he  returned  among  them.  Was  it  not  invariably '  in 
the  fulness  of  the  gospel  of  peace,'  replenished  with  fresh 
arguments  for  each,  that  '  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all 
guile,  and  hypocrisies,  and  envying,  and  all  evil  speakings  ; 
denying  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  so- 
berly, righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  evil  world  ;  lay- 
ing up  in  store  a  good  foundation  against  the  time  to  come.* 
How  animating  were  the  details  which  he  gave  of  his  pro- 
gress through  the  varied  scenes  of  his  pilgrimage  and  how- 
calculated  to  impress  the  conviction,  that  the  love  of  Christ 
constrained  him. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  353 

"  Nor  let  it  be  su^«j)osed  that  the  breath  of  fame  kindled 
in  his  bosom  any  desires  at  variance  with  the  duties  of  that 
more  confined  sphere  in  which  he  was  permanently  station- 
ed. 1  always  considered  his  missionary  labours  as  productive 
of  fresh  energies  for  the  discharge  of  his  parochial  duties. 

*♦  Instant  in  season,  out  of  season,  he  preached  the  word 
with  invigorating  power  and  demonstration  of  the  spirit. 
Giving  all  diligence,  to  add  to  his  ♦  faith  virtue,  and  to  vir- 
tue knowledge,  and  to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  tem- 
perance patience,  and  to  patience  godliness,  and  to  godli- 
ness brotherly  kindness,  and  to  brotlierly-kindness  charity.' 
These  things  being  in  him,  and  abounding,  they  made  him, 
that  he  was  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

*'  But  his  days  are  accomplished  :  he  rests  from  his  la- 
bours. He  is  now  become  a  citizen  of  Zion,  answerable 
to  the  description  of  David,  ^  Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thy 
tabernacle  ?  Who  shall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill  ?  He  that 
walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh 
the  truth  from  his  heart.*  And  having  joined  the  hundred 
forty  and  four  thousand,  in  concert  he  proclaims,  *  not  by 
works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  according 
to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration, 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  he  shed  on  us 
abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ.' 

"  It  might  naturally  have  been  expected,  that  the  liori- 
zon  around  this  setting  sun  would  have  been  gilded  witli 
many  a  bright  though  dep:irting  ray  ;  and  that  he  would 
have  winged  his  flight  to  glory,  commencing  the  hallelujahs 
on  earth,  so  soon  to  be  attuned  to  harps  of  gold  in  heaven  : 
that  finding  the  end  of  all  things  was  at  hand,  he  would 
have  spoken  '  as  the  oracles  of  God, — declaring  that  he 
had  not  followed  cunningly  devised  fables,  when  he  made 
known  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  That  such 
was  not  the  case,  can,  I  think,  be  best  accounted  for  by 
those  who  have  most  cause  to  mourn  the  deprivation. 

"The  feelings  of  the  husband  and  ihe  father  were  too 
sensitive  for  the  weakened  frame,  which  shrunk  from  the 
excitement  to  be  apprehended  from  any  direct  allusion  to 
81* 


^M  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

the  mournful  event  which  was  about  to  rend  asunder  a  Ikifc 
so  strongly  uniting  the  family  chain.  This  was  the  bitter- 
ness of  death.  For  his  own  soul,  he  had  long  committed 
it  to  the  keeping  of  God,  in  well-doing,  as  unto  a  faithful 
Creator ;  but  he  would  not  hazard  an  interruption  to  the 
peaceful  calm  with  which  he  anticipated  his  dismissal  from 
the  body.  He  saw  the  restrained  anguish  of  my  heart,  and 
forbore  to  probe  thr  wound,  which  he  knew.was  rankling. 
This  it  was  that  imposed  silence. 

"  A  more  tranquil  departure  could  neither  have  been 
wished  nor  granted.  Every  tumult  was  hushed, — all  was 
serene, — death  had  lost  its  sting,  for  he  had  gained  the  vic- 
tory through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  With  the  utmost 
composure,  he  put  his  house  in  order,  feeling  that  he  must, 
die,  and  not  hve.  The  placidity  of  his  countenance  ex- 
pressed the  peace  witliin,  speaking  more  than  words  could 
have  done  ;  '  and  now.  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ?  truly  my 
hope  is  even  in  thee.'  Can  I  ever  forget  the  morning  of 
that  day  which  closed  upon  me  as  a  widow  (oh  !  word  of 
sorrow)  and  desolate.  With  what  prophetic  earnestness  did 
he  pronounce  the  assurance, '  God  will  never  leave  you, 
nor  forsake  you      It  is  impossible.^ 

"  This  may  be  said  to  have  been  his  parting  benediction.. 
¥ov  though  some  few  hours  more  did  elapse,  before  the  de- 
parture of  the  spirit  to  God  who  gave  it,  yet  the  powers  of 
nature  were  so  exhausted,  that  briefly  reminding  me,  <  how 
merciful  the  Lord  had  been  to  us  for  many  years,'  and 
with,  a  short  exhortation  to  *esignation,  he  continued  in  si- 
lent composure,  waiting  the  arrival  of  the  heavenly  convoy,, 
to  be  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Him  whom,  not  having 
seen,  he  loved — and  whom  now  beholding,  and  knowing 
even  as  he  is  known,  he  falls  down  and  worships  ;  uniting 
with  the  innumerable  company  of  angels,  the  spirits  of  just 
men  nMwk  perfect,  and  the  multitude  which  no  man  can- 
number,  in  singing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb. 
'  Mark  the  upright  man,  and  behold  the  perfect ;  for  th(j 
epd  of  that  man  is  peace.' 

"  Such  was  my  beloved  husband,  in  life  and  in  death. 
JVhat  he  is  in  glory,  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard^ 
^ither  hath  entered  into  the  heart  to  conceive. 


RET.  LEQH  RICHMOND.  355 

*  Thus  much  (ami  thi«  is  all)  we  know, — 
He  is  supremely  blest ; 
Has  done  with  sin,  and  care,  and  wo. 
And  with  his  Saviour  r^sts.' 

•*  In  giving  this  transcript,  dear  sir,  of  thoughts  so  deeply 
ongraven  on  my  heart,  many  a  pang  has  been  revived. 
Memory  retraces  joys  and  sorrows,  each  in  their  turn  a 
source  of  grief.  I  am  painfully  remmded  that  God  *  hath 
stripped  me  of  my  glory,  and  taken  the  crown  from  my 
head  '  I  see  myself  surrounded  by  the  pledges  of  an  ardent 
attachment,  and  I  remember  that  my  children  *  are  orphans 
and  fatherless — their  mother  is  a  widow.*  The^j  must  set 
sail  on  the  ocean  of  life  ex[)osed  to  the  chiUing  blasts  of 
this  inhospitable  clime,  without  a  pilot  to  warn  them  of  the 
rocks  and  quicksands  to  which  they  will  be  exposed.  The 
guide  of  their  youth,  he  who  would  have  given  to  the  young 
man  knowledge  and  discretion,  is  separated  from  them. 
How  often  will  they  have  need  to  cry  out,  '  My  father,  my 
father!' 

"  For  myself^  I  am  left  to  travel  the  remainder  of  my 
pilgrimage  solitary  and  alone.  The  bosom  upon  which  I 
was  wont  to  recline,  no  longer  beats  with  affectionate  sym- 
pathy, responsive  to  my  joys  and  sorrows.  The  evening  of 
my  days  must  close  in  cheerless  solitude  :  but  the  voice  ol" 
God  is  in  this  dispensation,  and  it  becomes  me  to  hearken 
unto  it.  He  doth  not  willingly  grieve,  but  says,  '  turn  you 
at  my  reproof.' 

"  May  the  Lord  » make  me  to  know  my  transgression 
and  sin.  May  my  soul  keep  it  still  in  remembrance,  and 
be  humbled  in  me.' 

"  *  Who  is  wise  and  he  shall  understand  these  things  ? 
Prudent,  and  he  shall  know  them  ?  For  the  ways  of  the 
Lord  are  right,  and  the  just  shall  walk  in  them.' 

••  I  am,  my  dear  sir,  your's,  very  truly, 

Mary  Ricujioxd." 

Wo.  feel  extreme  reluctance  to  trespass  on  this  holy 
tjround,  or  interrupt  the  train  of  solemn  thought  and  feel' 
rntr  wliich  these  interesting  letters  of  a  beloved  wife  and  an 
ifTectionate  child,  must  have  inspired  in  the  minds  of  our 
readers.  Yet  we  cannot  close  this  Memoir  with  satisfaction 
to  ourselves  or  justice  to  our  esteemed  iriend,  without  no- 


356  MEMOIRS  OP  THE 

ticing  a  few  of  those  qualities  for  which  he  appears  to  us  and 
to  all  who  knew  him,  to  have  been  eminently  distinguished. 

The  tbllowing  testimonies  from  those  who  possessed  am- 
ple opportunities  of  forming  a  just  estimate  of  his  character, 
are  at  once  a  faithful  and  honourable  record  both  of  his 
public  and  private  virtues.  They  will  not  be  the  less  ac- 
ceptable in  being  offered,  for  the  most  part,  by  men  whose 
names  are  associated  with  the  distinguished  institutions  that 
adorn  the  times  in  which  we  live. 

"  I  not  only  witnessed."  says  Dr.  Steinkopff,  "  the  ability 
with  which  he  publicly  advocated  the  cause  of  the  Bible 
Society,  and  the  powerful  and  beneficial  impression  which  his 
addresses  produced  on  numerous  and  highly  respectable  au- 
diences, but  I  also  felt  delighted  with  his  Christian  conver- 
sation. I  saw  him  devoutly  perusing  those  sacred  pages  which 
he  so  effectively  recommended  to  the  attention  of  others, 
and  heard  many  an  edifying  remark  dropping  from  his  lips« 

"  Instead  of  living  to  himself,  he  felt  an  ardent  desire  to 
live  to  the  honour  and  glory  of  Him  who  died  for  him,  and 
rose  again.  He  closely  watched  his  own  heart,  temper, 
and  disposition  ;  and  often  expressed  himself  in  terms  of 
the  most  unfeigned  humility  and  self-abasement, — -renounc- 
ing all  dependence  on  what  he  had  done,  and  relying  ex- 
clusively on  the  free  grace  of  God,  and  the  merits  of  his 
adorable  Redeemer.  In  all  my  interviews  with  him,  I  wit- 
nessed a  serenity  of  mind  and  cheerfulness  of  temper,  pe- 
culiarly calculated  to  recommend  the  religion  of  Christ." 

'*  By  his  fine  imagination,"  observes  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bickersteth,  «  his  devotional  spirit,  his  full  and  copious  flow 
of  expression,  and  his  rich  exhibition  of  the  good  tidings  of 
redeeming  grace,  he  interested,  in  a  very  uncommon  de- 
gree, the  large  assemblies  he  was  accustomed  to  address. 
Some  of  his  most  extemporaneous  addresses  had  a  beauty 
of  conception  and  a  glow  of  feeling  quite  irresistible.  Very 
many  in  our  own  country  can  testify  that,  through  his  la- 
bours, they  not  only  first  became  sensible  of  the  importance 
of  missions,  but  the  value  of  their  own  souls,  and  the  infi- 
nite price  at  which  they  were  redeemed  " 

In  allusion  to  his  exertions  in  behalf  of  the  Jews,  tlu^ 
Rev.  Mr.  Hawtrey  remarks  : — 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  357 

»*  There  was  something  in  the  cause  of  poor  benighted 
and  outcast  Israel,  wliich  seemed  peculiarly  congenial  with 
liis  affectionate  and  sympathising  spirit.  To  exhibit  their 
wronsra,  and  paint  their  sorrows,  was  a  work  in  which  he 
delighted  to  be  engaged  ;  and  he  did  so  with  such  genuine 
feeling  and  pathetic  eloquence  that  few  could  resist  his  ap>- 
peals  ;  and  it  would  not  be  easy  to  define  how  much,  under 
Go{l,  that  now  widely  diffused  c.ompassion  for  this  interest- 
ing but  long  neglected  people,  is  to  be  attributed  lo  his 
pious  and  able  exertions  in  their  behalf." 

"  Cnough  has  been  witnessed  by  me,"  says  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hughes  *'  on  the  road,  in  families,  and  at  public 
meetings  to  furnish  the  materials  of  an  ample  testimony  in 
favour  of  that  excellent  and  extraordinary  man.  To  a 
sound  understamiing,  a  full  command  of  thoughts  and  lan- 
guage, a  free  and  graceful  utlerance,  and  an  exuberant 
imagination,  he  added  those  qualities  of  the  heart,  which 
endeared  him  to  the  whole  r»f  that  larue  circle  in  which  he 
moved  Piety,  candour,  courtesy,  and  Christian  kindness, 
were  embodied  in  all  his  demeanour.  Who  that  knew  him 
could  ever  be  reminded  of  the  gall  of  bitterness,  except  by 
the  perfect  contrast  of  his  own  admirable  dispositions  ? 

"  If  all  the  professed  ministers  and  disciples  of  our  Lord 
shone  with  a  radiance  so  mild,  and  exeuiplified  a  zeal  so 
pious  and  affectionate,  then  would  the  church  embody  her 
arguments  and  persuasions  in  their  most  effective  and  im- 
pressive form." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  of  Creaton,  one  of  his  oldest  and 
most  esteemed  friends,  thus  writes  : — 

'*  He  was  no  common  man ;  whether  considered  as  a 
writer,  a  speaker,  a  pastor,  a  parent,  or  a  friend.  I  always 
felt  it  my  honour  and  happiness  to  have  the  benefit  of  his 
acquaintance,  and  a  share  in  his  affections  ;  which  I  hap- 
pily enjoyed  without  interruption,  from  the  time  he  came 
to  reside  at  Turvey,  to  the  day  he  entered  his  eternal  rest. 
And  I  can  now  declare,  with  the  greatest  truth,  that  the 
nearer  I  came  to  him  and  the  more  opportunities  I  had  of 
entering  into  his  real  character,  principles,  and  disposition, 
the  more  I  loved  and  esteemed  him." 


358  MEMOIRS    OP    THE 

"  I  admit,"  remarks  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  "  that  the  best 
of  men  are  men  at  the  best ;  and  that  rehgion  has  sustain- 
ed no  small  injury  from  the  unmeasured  and  injudicious 
encomiums  bestowed  on  its  professors,  by  friends  and  par- 
tisans. Legh  Richmond  might  have  his  weaknesses,  as 
well  as  others,  but  his  faults  were  the  excesses  of  his  vir- 
tues. After  a  very  intimate  and  confidential  mtercourse 
with  him  for  more  than  twenty  years,  1  may  aver,  in  the 
perfect  integrity  of  truth,  that  in  my  juiigment  he  was 
equalled  by  few,  and  excelled  by  none.  Although  there  is 
a  considerable  affinity  of  character  in  the  general  attain- 
ments and  labours  of  the  distinguished  servants  of  God, 
there  were  some  qualities  in  him  which  might  be  more 
peculiarly  called  his  own. 

"  Harmony  is  the  perfection  of  character,  and  Legh 
Richmond  exhibited  a  beautiful  combination  of  varied  ex- 
cellencies. With  an  acknowledged  superiority  of  talents 
and  acquirements,  and  with  a  tide  of  popularity  and  use- 
fulness, which  might  have  induced  a  train  of  fearful  temp- 
tations, he  possessed  a  deep  consciousness  of  his  own  un- 
worthiness,  and  his  conduct  was  marked  with  a  most  un- 
feigned meekness  and  humility  ;  no  one  could  be  more 
exempt  from  display.  His  rich  stores  of  material  were 
always  at  hand,  but  they  were  never  brought  forward  till 
the  occasion  called  for  them.  It  is  often  seen  that  men  of 
commanding  minds  are  careless  of  the  feelings  of  others, 
and  unwilling  to  stoop  to  the  infirmities  of  the  weak.  In 
Legh  Richmond  were  united  strength  and  sweetness ;  he 
had  a  head  of  intellect,  and  a  heart  of  love,'  as  was  ex- 
pressively observed  by  my  friend  Mr.  Garrard.  He  pos- 
sessed powers  to  grapple  with  a  giant,  and  sensibility  that 
would  not  trample  on  a  worm  ;  tenderness,  forbearance, 
and  sympathy  characterised  his  intercourse  with  everyone. 

"  Men  of  fine  taste  and  delicate  perceptions,  are  fre- 
quently betrayed  into  fastidiousness  ;  and  are  apt  to  be  of- 
fended with  the  coarseness  and  peculiarity  which  sometimes 
disfigures  a  sincere  and  genuine  profession  of  religion  ;  but 
Mr.  Richmond  kept  his  eye  fixed  on  the  jewel,  however 
rough  and  unsightly  the  casket  which  contained  it. 

"  His  largeness  of  heart  embraced  every  part  of  the 


REV.    LEGH    RICHMOND.  359 

church  of  Christ,  and  the  kindness  and  cordiality  of  his 
manner  endeared  him  to  all. 

"  From  his  connexion  and  correspondence  with  good 
men  of  every  denomination,  he  was  suspected  by  some  of 
indifference  and  laxity  towards  the  principles  of  his  own 
community. 

"  But  if  he  be  the  best  churchman,  the  purity  of  whose 
doctrine,  and  the  fidelity  of  whose  labours  have  the  most 
direct  tendency  to  check  the  progress  of  dissent,  and  to  at- 
tract numerous  worshippers  within  the  walls  of  our  own 
Zion,  no  man  ever  possessed  a  juster  claim  to  this  title  than 
the  subject  of  the  present  Memoir. 

"  He  was  conscientiously  and  firmly  attached  to  the  dis- 
cipline as  well  as  to  the  doctrine  of  the  establishment,  and 
never  shrunk  from  its  defence,  when  he  thought  himself 
called  upon  to  advocate  its  cause.* 

"  He  was  remarkable  for  his  disinterestedness ,  and  when- 

*  Mr.  Richmond  once  met  the  lale  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller,  the  well 
known  secretary  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Liviufl,  in  Bedford.  The  conversation  turned  on  the  Ritual  of 
the  Church  of  England.  Mr.  Fuller  remarked,  "  that  it  assumed 
the  sincerity  of  the  worshipper,  which  he  considered  a  defect." 
''How  wotild  you  frame  these  services .'"  said  Mr.  Richmond  : 
"  The  Church  presumes,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  that  all  her 
worshippers  ure  -incere,  and  forms  her  Ritual  on  this  principle.  If 
they  are  not  sincere,  the  greater  is  their  responsibility."  "  But  the 
fact."  said  Mr.  F.,  "  is  otherwise;  and  charity,  unsupported  by  fact, 
is  misplaced."  *' How  would  you  remedy  the  defect.'"  rejoined 
Mr.  Richmond.  Here  the  conversation  \ras  interrupted.  The 
time  being  arrived  for  family  worship,  Mr.  Richmond  expounded  a 
passage  of  Scripture,  and  Mr.  Fuller  concluded  with  prayer  ;  after 
which, our  friend  observed,  with  a  smile,  "your  prayer,  sir,  is  lia- 
ble to  the  same  objection  which  you  make  to  the  services  of  our 
•:hurch.  Your  petitions  for  pardon  and  grace,  your  acknowledg- 
ment of  guilt,  your  hope  and  confidence  in  God  were  all  generally 
offered  up  without  qualification,  as  expressive  of  the  feelings  and 
sentiments  of  the  whole  assembly."  "  How  would  you  have  me 
pr»y  ?"  said  Mr.  F.  "  Precisely  as  you  did,"  replied  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, — »'  but  you  must  no  longer  adhere  to  your  objection  ;  for 
you  were  not  warranted  to  believe,  except  in  Ihu  judgment  of  cha- 
rity, that  all  the  members  of  the  fnmily  were  sincere  worshippers. 
Vou  have  this  night  authorised  the  principle  on  which  our  services 
were  conttructed,  by  your  own  example." 


360  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

ever  he  asked  a  favour,  it  was  for  others,  and  not  for  him- 
self. Perhaps  1  cannot  better  illustrate  this  part  of  his 
character  than  by  relating  an  anecdote  of  Mr.  Howe  (one 
of  Oliver  Cromwell's  chaplains,)  to  whom,  in  many  points, 
Legh  Richmond  bore  a  stronjr  resemblance.  Hr.  Howe 
was  applied  to  for  protection,  by  men  of  all  parties,  in 
those  eventful  times  ;  and  it  is  said  of  him,  that  he  never 
refused  his  assistance  to  any  person  who  was  a  '  worthy 
man,'  whatever  might  be  his  religious  tenets.  '  Mr.  Howe' 
(said  the  Protector  to  his  chaplain,  '  you  have  asked  favours 
for  every  body  beside  yourself,  pray  when  does  your  turn 
come.'  '  My  turn,  my  lord  Protector,'  said  Mr.  Howe, 
*  is  always  come  when  I  can  serve  another.' 

"  He  had  a  great  abhorrence  of  slander,  in  any  form  or 
on  any  occasion  :  he  shrunk  from  its  foul  breath,  as  if  he 
feared  his  own  soul  would  be  polluted  by  it.  It  was  a 
maxim  with  him,  '  never  impute  a  had  motive  where  you 
can  find  a  good  one  ;  nor  repeat  a  thing  to  the  disadvantage 
of  another,  where  imperious  necessity  does  not  require  it.' 

"  It  is  no  small  praise  to  say  of  any  man,  *  they  loved  him 
best,  who  knew  him  most.'  Legh  Richmond  had  not  an 
inmate  of  his  family,  whether  wife,  child,  or  servant,  per- 
haps scarcely  a  parishioner,  who  can  even  now  hear  his 
name  without  emotion. 

"  It  is  little  to  say,  that  I  truly  loved  him,  and  shall  ever 
cherish  his  memory  with  affectionate  veneration. 

•*  You,  my  dear  friend,  have  a  difficult  task  imposed  on 
you,  and  much  less  time  allowed  than  is  needful,  to  satisfy 
the  pubhc  or  yourself,  in  the  execution  of  a  work  which  is 
intended  to  exhibit  the  character  of  one  *  who  7vas  hath  a 
good  and  a  great  man,  in  every  person'' s  estimation  hut  his 
own.^^ 

We  merely  add  one  more  short  testimony,  from  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Gauntlett,  the  vicar  of  Olney. 

"  Thousands,  and  tens  of  thousands,  who  have  hung  with 
admiration,  affection,  and  interest  on  his  eloquent  addresses 
from  the  pulpit  and  the  platform,  will  unite  in  the  sentiment 
that  <  a  great  man  is  fallen.'  The  sermons  of  Legh  Rich- 
mond were  characterised  not  only  by  a  depth  of  piety, 
and  a  sound  orthodoxy,  in  strict  conformity  with  the  Scrip- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  361 

(urcs,  and  with  the  fathers  of  the  English  church,  but  like- 
wise by  the  most  pathetic  and  affectionate  appeals  to  his 
auditors  on  the  subject  of  personal  religion  His  addresses 
on  public  occasions,  in  behalf  of  many  of  the  relij^ious  so- 
cieties, were  marked  by  extraordinary  powers  of  descrip- 
tion ;  by  a  pathos  which  deeply  interested  and  dfiVcted  his 
audiem-e  ;  by  felicit<ui-  and  appropriate  references  to  pre- 
sent circumstances,  arising  from  the  occasion  ;  and  by  an 
eloquence  peculiar  to  hmiself,  which  must  have  been  wit- 
nessed to  be  duly  appreeiated.  Mr.  Richmond  was  strictly 
an  extemp«)raueous  speaker.  The  remarks  of  his  brethren 
and  others  on  the  platform  were  frequently  made  the  occa- 
sions on  which  he  formed  the  most  judicious  comments, 
gratifying  to  their  authors,  illustrative  of  the  subject,  and 
which,  while  they  delighted,  at  the  same  time  instructed 
and  edified  his  auditors.'* 

We  intended  to  have  drawn  a  summary  of  the  character 
of  Mr.  Richmond,  founded  on  recollections  of  nearly 
twenty  years'  continuance  ;  but  our  anxiety  to  afford  room 
for  the  contributions  of  others  leaves  little  space  for  our  own. 

We  shall,  therefore,  briefly  add  a  few*  remarks  to  what 
has  been  already  said  of  his  extensive  vsefulness.  Numer- 
ous indeed  are  the  testimonies  to  this  fact  ;  not  limited  to 
the  precincts  of  his  own  parish,  but  extended  to  various 
parts  of  the  kingdom.  iMany  at  the  last  day  from  all  por- 
tions of  the  world,  who  have  read  his  tracts  with  profit  and 
edification,  will  r^se  up  and  call  him  blessed  ! 

The  cause  of  this  sign  d  usefulness  we  consider  to  have 
been,  not  merely  his  acknowledged  gifts  and  endowments, 
bat  rather  the  singular  fidelity  with  which  he  uniformly 
exalted  the  Saviour,  and  humbled  the  sinner.  The  un- 
ceasing subject  of  his  ministrations  and  writings,  was*- Je- 
sus Christ,  and  him  crucified."  Christ  was  exhibited  in 
his  varied  oflices,  as  prophet,  priest  and  king— embodied 
in  every  precept  and  promise,— and  his  power,  Piitlifulness, 
grace,  and  love,  urged  with  affectionate  and  impressive 
earnestnew.  We  would  here  beg  emj)iiatically  to  add, 
\hni  it  ig  only  in  proportion  as  this  great  truth  forms  the 
32 


362  MEMOIRS    0F    THR 

basis  and  end  of  the  Christian  ministry,  that  the  divine  bless- 
ing can  be  the  ultimate  reward  and  seal  of  all  its  labours. 

His  publication  of '  The  Fathers  of  the  English  Church' 
is  the  first  systematic  attempt  in  modern  times  to  commu- 
nicate to  the  public  the  writings  of  the  Reformers  ;  and  by 
its  powerful  influence  in  restoring  the  standard  of  sound 
Protestant  doctrine,  is  a  noble  memorial  of  his  labours. 

If  it  be  said,  that  in  the  above  outline  there  is  a  faithful 
enumeration  of  what  is  excellent  in  the  character  of  Legh 
Richmond,  and  that  what  now  remains  is  with  equal  fidelity 
to  record  what  is  defective  ;  painful  as  it  is  at  all  times  to 
exercise  so  ungrateful  an  office^  we  are  nevertheless  sup- 
ported by  the  conviction  that  we  can  record  no  blemish 
that  affected  the  loveliness  of  the  Christian,  or  the  estima- 
tion of  the  man.  In  endeavouring,  therefore,  to  discharge 
this  duty,  it  will  perhaps  awaken  the  astonishment  of  the 
reader,  who  has  been  contemplating  the  laborious  career  of 
his  life,  to  be  told  that  indolence  was  naturally  his  besetting 
sm,  '  the  thorn  in  the  flesh,'  against  which  he  had  unceas- 
ingly to  contend.  It  will  be  remembered  that  in  his  diary, 
the  following  remarkable  words  occur;  'sloth,  detested 
sloth,  how  does  it  injure  my  advancement ;'  and  again, 
<  what  methods  shall  I  take  to  cure  my  spiritual  slothful- 
ness  ?  I'here  must  be  a  struggle  and  agony — heaven  must 
be  taken  with  violence.'  We  more  particularly  mention 
this  fact,  that  we  may  magnify  that  grace  which  could  thus 
convert  indolence  into  activity,  and  supineness  into  zeal,  till 
life  itself  became  the  sacrifice  of  his  exertions,  and  he  died 
literally  spent  in  his  Master's  service.* 

Let  the  reader  improve  the  knowledge  of  this  circum- 
stance to  his  own  personal  edification,  and  reflect  that  na- 
tural infirmities  afford  no  justification  for  their  indulgence  : 
that  they  are  not  only  to  be  resisted,  but  may  be  subdued  ; 
that  God's  strength  is  perfected  in  man's  weakness,   and 

♦  It  was  stated  by  Dr.  Thackeray,  a  well  known  and  highly  re- 
spectable physician  in  Bedfordshire,  who  attended  him  in  his  last 
illness,  that  he  fell  a  martyr  to  his  ministerial  labours, — that  the 
death  of  his  son  might  have  hastened  the  event,  but  that  his  frame 
had  been  sinking  for  the  last  two  years. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND.  363 

that  divine  truth  has  declared  for  our  encouragement,  "  my 
grace  is  sufficient  for  thee." 

There  was  also  an  excess  of  sensibility  in  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's character,  often  injurious  to  his  inward  serenity 
and  comfort,  and  which  pkced  his  feehngs  too  much  under 
the  dominion  of  others  His  tender  spirit  could  not  bear 
an  unkind  word,  and  still  less  an  uncharitable  act  ;  and  in 
the  hours  of  confidential  intercourse,  he  would  deeply 
nuHirn  over  a  tendency,  even  in  what  is  called  the  rehgious 
world,  to  exercise  a  censorious  spirit,  incompatible  with 
Christian  charity,  and  with  the  precepts  of  the  Gospel, 
which  enjoin  us  to  "  bear  one  another's  burdens,  and  so  to 
fulfil  the  law  of  Christ ;"  and  to  ''judge  not,  lest  we  our- 
selves be  judg'ed  of  the  Lord." 

We  have  already  alluded  to  his  unfitness  for  the  secular 
concerns  and  business  of  common  life  It  might  be  that 
his  mind  was  absorbed  with  higher  contemplations,  and 
thai  he  forgot  the  perishing  dust  of  thiji^jarth,  ia  his  pursuit 
after  the  imperishable  riches  of  heaven.  His  excellent 
wife  amply  suf)phed  the  omission ;  and  the  manner  in 
which  his  children  have  been  brought  up  and  educated,  to 
the  period  of  his  decease,  is  the  best  commentary  on  the 
subject. 

To  Legh  Richmond  the  judgment  of  man  must  now  be 
a  matter  of  profound  indifference.  Praise  the  most  ele- 
vated can  add  nothing  to  the  enjoyments  of  that  scene  on 
which  he  has  entered  ;  censure  the  most  severe  can  de- 
tract nothing  from  its  blessedness.  Let  it  rather  be  our 
inquiry,  how  we  mav  best  imitate  the  virtues  that  have 
been  recorded,  and  finally  attain  the  same  blessed  end. 

The  grace  of  God,  which  was  so  eminently  manifested 
in  hia  case,  let  us  humbly  and  earnestly  invoke  for  our- 
selves. It  may  not  be  communicated  to  us  in  the  like  pro- 
portion—we may  neither  be  distinguished  by  his  endow- 
ments, nor  honoured  with  the  same  extent  of  usefulness  ; 
but  fidelity  is  attainable  by  all.  whatever  be  the  measure  of 
their  quaUfications,  or  opportunities  of  doing  good.  To 
the  possessor  of  ten  talents  is  assigned  the  corresponding 
obligation  to  improve  them  adequately  to  the  glory  of  their 


364  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

great  Giver  :  while  from  the  lowest  attainments  and  the 
humblest  labourer  will  be  demanded  what  is  recorded  oD" 
the  zeal  of  a  Magdalene — "  she  hath  done  what  she  could.'* 
While  we  respecif  illy  address  these  remarks  to  all,  we 
more  especially  bea;  to  apply  them  to  those  who  sustain 
the  high  office  of  the  Christian  pastor. 

And  oh  !  how  great  and  transcendent  will  bo  the  reward 
of  the  Christian  pastor  who  has  laboured  with  patience, 
and  has  not  fainted,  and  who  shall  at  length  reap  the  bar-, 
vest  of  an  eternal  blessedness  !  His  trials  may,  in  nume- 
rous instances^  be  sijjiial,  as  in  the  case  of  Legh  Rich- 
mond ;  and  successive  purifying  dispensations  may  be  the 
ordained  mess  ngers  of  God's  providence,  and  necessary 
to  accomplish  the  mysterirms  purposes  of  his  grace  ;  but- 
the  days  of  mourning  shall  have  an  end,  and  the  year  of  re- 
compence  is  at  hand.  And  then  how  justly  may  we  ap- 
ply the  animating  language  recorded  in  the  Volume  of  in- 
spiration t — "  Who  are  these  which  are  arrayed  in  white 
robes  ?  And  whence-  carne  they  ?  And  I  said  unto  him, 
sir,  thou  knowest.  And  he  said  unto  me,  These  aie  the}^ 
who  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their 
robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 
Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve 
him  day  and  night  in  his  temple  :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  They  shall  hunger  no- 
more,  neither  thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light 
on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them 
smto  living  fountains  of  waters  ;  and  God  shall  wipe  away 
nil  tears  from  their  eyes." 


THE  END 


HOME  USE 

CIRCULATION  DEPARTMENT 

MAIN  LIBRARY 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 
1 -month  loans  may  be  renewed  by  calling  642-3405. 
6-month  loans  may  be  recharged  by  bringing  books 

to  Circulation  Desk. 
Renewals  and  recharges  may  be  made  4  days  prior 

to  due  date. 

ALL  BOOKS  ARE  SUBJECT  TO  RECALL  7  DAYS 

AFTER  DATE  CHECKED  OUT. 


DAVIS 


^NTERl 


t©AH- 


74 


RECCJVED  BY 

^^'   ^^  19/4 


ClRQULAhu 


»>«  i^i.f'T. 


'^..RLfBRARYLOAN 


JANl  91982 


Ut>ii\/.  Or 


Wi^i..4r.,  eCRic. 


LDi 


1 — A-40m-5, 
(R8191L,) 


General  Library 

University  of  California 

Berkeley 


'■?/  -?  ? 


^^. 


•^"^ 


9?/ 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


KV''" 

V-..: 

■m 

tf^ 

V  •  ^^   ' 

f?. 

4  ?*' 

tSai 

»^i 

'i^"  •'"' 

-r^  '-e 

*       1 

in 

■ 

i^'  /^  ■ 

.  ^  -► 

^ 

m 

J 

1 

1 

Ife^gf-. 

ii 

/I- 


4' 


